The Tor Tiv of Tivland in Benue, James Ayatse, has banned his subjects from organising picnics during the Christmas and New year festivities slated between December 25 and January 1, 2021.

The king gave the warning on Tuesday at Mbatie, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue while addressing traditional rulers, women cooperatives and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The paramount ruler lamented the unfortunate instances where lives of fun-seeking people were lost during such picnics, some of which took place at the riverside.

He said: “Some go for picnics on mountains and rivers across the state.

“While at the picnics, they drink to stupor and get themselves drowned  in the river.

“Also, some have accidents on their way back because they will drink and ride or drive recklessly.

“I don’t want the loss of any of my subjects. I want all of them to stay alive and contribute meaningfully to the development of the Tiv nation in particular and the globe in general.”

He, therefore, charged the traditional rulers to enforce the ban in their respective places and pledged  to contact security agencies for the enforcement of the ban.

Mr. Ayatse appealed to all fun-seekers to obey the ban or incur the wrath of his kingship.