Muslims in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, have been banned from organising certain types of wedding parties deemed inappropriate by religious and community leaders.
The proscribed celebrations include Kauyawa Day (Villagers’ Day) and Ajo parties, events where young boys and girls dress in tattered clothes and engage in late-night dancing under the guise of wedding festivities.
The ban, announced by Islamic leaders in the town, is aimed at curbing what they described as “immoral practices” often associated with such gatherings. According to them, the parties expose youths to indecent behaviour, night roaming, and other activities that contradict Islamic values.
Community elders in Jalingo have thrown their weight behind the decision, urging young people and families to respect the directive in order to preserve moral standards during marriage ceremonies.
Authorities warned that defaulters risk facing sanctions, stressing that weddings should remain solemn, decent, and reflective of Islamic teachings.
