Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has imposed a blanket prohibition on street masquerades throughout the festive season, following mounting concerns over violence and intimidation associated with Ekpo masquerade groups.
The directive, announced by the governor, comes after numerous incidents of assault, harassment, and extortion allegedly perpetrated by members of these groups in recent weeks.
The Ekpo masquerade holds deep cultural significance among the Ibibio people, symbolizing ancestral spirits and playing a central role in traditional festivals. However, recent activities by some groups have raised alarm, culminating in the arrest of a masquerade leader earlier this month.
According to The Nation, Governor Eno justified the decision by pointing to growing security concerns that the government can no longer overlook.
“Any masquerade found parading on the streets of Akwa Ibom State will be arrested and prosecuted,” the governor declared, underscoring that public safety remains the administration’s top priority during the festive period.
The ban has generated divided opinions across the state. While some residents have welcomed the measure as a necessary step to restore order and protect citizens from harassment, others view it as an assault on cultural heritage.
Critics of the policy worry that the restriction sets a troubling precedent that could lead to further limitations on traditional practices and festivals in the future.
As the festive season approaches, security agencies in the state are expected to enforce the ban strictly, with offenders facing legal consequences.
