Police arrest two over masquerade violence

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected Ekpo masquerade participants for allegedly terrorising residents, extorting money from passers-by and assaulting members of the public in parts of Ikot Ekpene.

The suspects, identified as Ine Isong, 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were arrested at about 6 pm on 26 October 2026 along the Ukana/Abak Highway during a police show of force.

The police said the suspects were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes, machetes, spears and arrows.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects and other individuals allegedly involved in the activities had been intimidating residents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. Some victims, particularly women, were also reportedly assaulted.

The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incidents and identify other people who might be connected to the alleged offences.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned that the command would not tolerate using cultural practices or masquerade activities to cover criminality, intimidation, extortion, or violence.

While acknowledging the importance of preserving lawful cultural traditions, Azare stressed that no individual or group would be permitted to take the law into their own hands or threaten residents’ peace and security.

The command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and criminal conduct to the police, assuring residents that efforts to maintain law and order across the state would continue.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that cultural activities were not used as a pretext for criminal conduct.