26 May 2026 – A major annual conference held by United Zo Organization (UZO) in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, in the United States was reportedly disrupted and shut down by local police after several youths allegedly brought firearms to the event and engaged in disorderly behaviour.
The festival, held on 25 May, is considered one of the most important annual conferences for Zo ethnic communities living across the United States, providing a rare opportunity for members of the community to reunite and celebrate their culture together.
According to reports and eyewitness accounts, tensions arose during the event after some youths behaved irresponsibly and allegedly brought weapons into the festival area. Due to security concerns, local police intervened and ordered the event to be shut down.
Witnesses said around seven police vehicles arrived at the scene, and attendees were instructed to leave immediately, forcing the festival to end prematurely.
The incident has sparked disappointment and criticism within the Zo community, with many expressing frustrations that the actions of a few individuals damaged the image of the wider community and disrupted an important cultural conference.
Some social media posts also claimed the dispute may have involved disagreements among certain youth groups, though these claims remain unverified. – Reporting by Daniel
