The Adamawa State Government has cancelled its planned New Year crossover concert in Yola, citing security concerns and the need to protect lives and property.
The concert, which was scheduled to hold on the night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, into the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, was expected to be a major event in the state capital. Popular Nigerian musicians had been invited to perform, and large crowds were anticipated at the venue.
However, in a late-night announcement on Tuesday, the state government said the event would no longer hold following credible security reports.
The announcement was contained in a notice signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, and released from the Government House in Yola.
According to the notice, the decision was taken after the government received what it described as “credible intelligence reports” pointing to possible security risks around the planned event.
“Based on credible intelligence reports that border on security, the Adamawa State Government has cancelled all activities planned for the Cross Over Night on 31st December 2025 to 1st January 2026 at the Unity Fly-Over in Jimeta – Yola,” the statement read.
The Unity Flyover in Jimeta, Yola, is a central location that often attracts large crowds during public celebrations. The crossover concert was expected to draw thousands of residents from Yola and nearby communities.
The government said the safety of citizens was the main reason for the cancellation.
“The safety and security of citizens remain our top priority,” the statement added.
Following the cancellation, the Adamawa State Government advised residents, especially those living in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas, to remain alert and avoid crowded places.
“We urge all citizens, especially residents of Yola North and South LGAs, to remain vigilant and steer clear of crowded areas, to avoid any potential risks, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” the government said.
Residents were also encouraged to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that could help prevent security incidents.
Adamawa State is one of the states in Nigeria’s North-East region that has faced security challenges over the years. Although the situation has improved compared to previous years, there are still concerns related to insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminal activity.
Large public gatherings, especially during festive periods, are often seen as potential targets by criminal elements. As a result, state governments and security agencies usually take extra precautions during events that attract large crowds.
The decision to cancel the crossover concert reflects a growing trend by authorities to act early on intelligence reports rather than wait for incidents to occur.
The Adamawa crossover concert has become an annual end-of-year event in Yola. It is usually organised to allow residents to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the New Year with music, prayers, and social interaction.
In past years, the event has featured performances by well-known musicians and local artists. It also provided opportunities for small businesses such as food vendors, transport operators, and event planners to earn income.
Many young people in Yola had been looking forward to this year’s edition, especially with the announcement that famous musicians would be performing.
The cancellation, therefore, came as a disappointment to some residents, though many acknowledged the importance of safety.
Some residents expressed understanding and support for the government’s decision.
A civil servant in Jimeta, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said safety should always come first. “We would love to celebrate, but life is more important. If the government has security information, then it is better to be careful,” he said.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration has repeatedly said that security remains a top priority in Adamawa State. The government has continued to work closely with the military, police, and other security agencies to maintain peace.
In recent years, the state has recorded improvements in security, with many displaced persons returning to their communities. However, authorities have warned that vigilance must continue.
The cancellation of the crossover concert shows the government’s willingness to take preventive action based on intelligence reports.
Across Nigeria, security agencies usually increase patrols and surveillance during festive periods such as Christmas and New Year. This is because movement increases and public events become more frequent.
In some states, governments have either reduced the scale of celebrations or cancelled them entirely due to security concerns or economic reasons.
The Adamawa decision follows similar actions by other states that have chosen caution over large celebrations in recent times.
With the cancellation of the crossover concert, residents have been encouraged to celebrate the New Year in safer ways. Many families are expected to mark the New Year in churches, mosques, or at home with loved ones.
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