Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has issued an indefinite ban on masquerade displays, following a surge in violent attacks reportedly carried out by criminals hiding under the guise of cultural performances.
Announcing the decision at a state function, Eno said the security situation had become intolerable, with several incidents traced to individuals who used masquerade costumes to assault and intimidate residents in different communities. The governor described the ban as a necessary intervention to restore peace and protect citizens.
“As the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I am directing that anyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted,” Eno stated firmly. He instructed security operatives — including the Commissioner of Police and other agency heads — to enforce the directive without exception, warning that the state would no longer tolerate the misuse of traditional practices to perpetrate violence.
The governor urged the public to cooperate with authorities and avoid activities that threaten public safety. “Stop terrorising people. Let citizens live in peace. From today, it is banned — no more,” he added.
The development comes amid recent alerts issued by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. The command had raised concerns over what it described as “suspected criminal masquerades,” with Commissioner of Police Baba Azare confirming that several individuals linked to such acts have already been arrested and are facing prosecution.