By J.B Dogonyaro
Jenjo tribe also spelt as (Janjo) and referred to as “IDZA” are predominantly found in Karim Lamido, Lau, Jalingo, Gasol, Ibi Jibbu in Wukari and Ardo-Kola Local government Areas of Taraba state.
They can also be found in Numan, Lamurde and Balanga Local government Areas of Adamawa and Gombe State respectively. The main Jenjo towns are Jen, Jenpetel among others with a Chiefdom called “Jenjo Chiefdom,” headed by His Royal Highness Dr. Robert David Tankawa (The IVAH IDZA).
The 2023 edition of MIHU Festival, the major Cultural Festival of the Jenjo people took place today, May 6. The Festival is also referred to as ‘Mihu’ ( Hunting Festival), which normally held on first Saturday in the Month of May every year in Jen town, Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba state.
The festival is characterised by social activities such as cultural dance by the various Jenjo Clans, hunting of bush or wild animals, including catching snakes alive. Mihu festival also mark the onset of rainy season, where the Jenjo traditionalist headed by ‘IVAH Zapteh’ will pray to their god(s) for good raining season, It marks the commencement of Farming activities and bountiful harvest at the end of the season.
The major occupations of the Jenjo people are farming, fishery, rearing of livestock and other domestic animals. As the results of their settlements along River Benue valley or upper Benue.
Whereas JENJO people of _Jenpetel celebrates ‘ Wubabah Festival’ to mark a bountiful harvest at the end of every farming season. Jenjo native food includes a special soup called ” Yuah-juh”(Dargaza in hausa ) and Special fruit called ” Vhuh” (Giginya in housa). This year 2023 , MIHU was graced by thousands of people. The Festival is also recognised by the Taraba state Government as a Major Festival in the State.
Credit by J.B Dogonyaro