Police arrest masquerades, warn against disorder

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order following the arrest of individuals parading as masquerades in violation of the state’s directive regulating masquerade activities.

The command disclosed that on 23 April 2026, at about 11:25 am, police operatives on routine patrol along the Onna–Ikot Abasi Road intercepted a group of masquerades heading to Onna for activities considered capable of disturbing public peace and order.

According to the police, the arrest was made in strict compliance with the standing directive of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, which prohibits the unauthorised public display of masquerades outside designated areas such as village squares and town halls without prior police approval.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly hired by an individual from Atabong Village in Eket Local Government Area to perform at a burial ceremony in Ndon Eyo Village, Onna Local Government Area, an arrangement said to contravene existing security guidelines and public safety regulations.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the individual who engaged them.

The Command reiterated that masquerade activities must strictly comply with laid-down regulations, warning that any attempt to use such cultural displays to incite unrest, intimidate residents, or breach public peace will be met with decisive action.

Police also cautioned parents, community leaders and social event organisers against engaging masquerades in unauthorised locations or in any manner capable of threatening public safety.

The command urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the police with credible information, reaffirming its resolve to enforce all directives aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.