Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has officially banned masquerade displays on streets and major highways across the state following increasing reports of harassment, extortion, and public disturbances linked to masquerade activities.
The governor, who announced the proscription last week, reaffirmed the ban while signing an Executive Order at Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday. He directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement.
“By my office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I am issuing an order that anyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted. They have used it to cause havoc in some local governments,” Eno stated. “As the chief security officer of the State, I am directing the commissioner of police and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute masquerades. Let it stop terrorising people, and let people have peace.”
While acknowledging the state’s cultural heritage, Eno emphasized that no tradition should cause harm or infringe on the rights of citizens. He cited recent incidents where masquerades caused public embarrassment and safety risks, including a case in which a young woman was stripped and flogged.
The governor noted that a 2022 law already requires police clearance for such displays, and insisted that masquerade performances should be restricted to village squares.
“So, if you want to play masquerade, go to your village square and play it, but not on the streets of Akwa Ibom. Don’t use that to disrupt public peace and order. We don’t want to have trouble in our hands,” Eno warned.
He further appealed to residents to comply with the order and support initiatives under his administration’s ARISE Agenda, particularly as the state prepares for an expected influx of tourists during the festive season.
Commissioner of Police Baba Azare praised the governor’s directive, describing it as timely and necessary. He assured that enforcement has already commenced, with instructions issued to area commanders and tactical units to ensure full compliance across all 31 local government areas.
