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Africa Subsaharan

Nigeria's Argungu Fishing Festival back after 6 years

2026-02-15

[DW] Thousands of local fishermen were making waves again at the UNESCO-listed fishing festival in Kebbi state. The annual event has not been held for the past 6 years due to regional insecurity.

Nigeria's Argungu Fishing Festival was officially back in action for its 61st iteration on Saturday in Argungu town in northwestern Kebbi state.

The UNESCO-listed festival has not taken place for the past six years due to regional insecurity and funding shortages.

Parts of Kebbi state have experienced jihadist attacks in recent years, with analysts blaming the Lakurawa terror group for the deadly violence.

It started as self defense against bandits, but over time has morphed into a branch of ISIS in the Sahel. Their AO is primarily in five local government areas of Sokoto state, namely: Tangaza, Gudu, Illela, Binji, and Silame.

TENS OF THOUSANDS GATHER FOR DRAWCARD FESTIVAL
But, the festival was again making waves as thousands of people descended on the area to attend the event.

Local media reported that some 40,000 participants defied the scorching 39 degree Celsius heat (102 Fahrenheit) to take part in the festival that was first staged in 1934.

Since then, it has grown into one of Nigeria's biggest cultural events, bringing in visitors from around the world.

Nigeria's Punch newspaper reported that just minutes after noon, excited fishermen plunged into the murky waters of the Matan Fadan river, even before the formal opening ceremony and the arrival of President Bola Tinubu.

The president arrived more than two hours later, after which the contest was restarted.

Amid the sound of chanting and drumbeats, fishermen began hunting for the biggest fish. Using traditional methods and aided by hand-woven nets and large calabash gourds, they were buoyed by the cheers of thousands of onlookers.

Posted by:Skidmark

#1 comments); ?>werwer

Posted by: Skidmark 2026-02-15 06:59

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