The government of Akwa Ibom State has raised alarms over the escalating disturbances caused by Ekpo masquerades, particularly following recent violent incidents targeting innocent citizens, including a female student from the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) who narrowly escaped a fatal attack.
According to reports gathered by LEADERSHIP Friday, a violent assault on a UNIUYO female student in a community within Uyo local government was thwarted by alert local youths. The student suffered severe machete wounds to her head and other parts of her body inflicted by the marauding masquerades.
During a meeting with paramount traditional rulers in Uyo, the state capital, Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, voiced his strong condemnation of these violent acts. He stressed that such disruptive behavior is unacceptable and contradicts the authentic cultural values and traditions of the people.
Archibong expressed deep concern over the increasing reports of Ekpo masquerades engaging in deliberate intimidation and violent harassment of community members. He called on traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies to take proactive roles in monitoring and regulating the activities of these masquerades to restore order.
While acknowledging the Ekpo masquerade as a vital part of African cultural heritage, the commissioner underscored that their actions must align with societal laws and ethical standards, ensuring respect for human dignity, safety, and rights.
He further highlighted that exploiting the masquerade tradition as a tool for intimidation, violence, or other unlawful acts distorts its original cultural significance and purpose.
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Baba Azare, has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups who misuse masquerade festivals as a façade for criminal conduct.
CP Azare expressed his disappointment over the recent pattern of some masquerades, traditionally symbols of cultural pride and festivity, being implicated in various illegal activities.
He enumerated offenses linked to these masquerades, including facilitating criminal acts, illegal possession of weapons, unprovoked assaults on civilians, and involvement in drug trafficking.
“Masquerades are intended to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and bring happiness to our communities, not to serve as a cover for unlawful behavior. It is deeply troubling to witness this cherished tradition being exploited by a few misguided individuals who tarnish our cultural legacy,” the commissioner remarked.
He made it clear that the police force will no longer tolerate such abuses, warning that anyone caught using masquerade costumes to commit crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“The command is ramping up intelligence operations and enforcement actions to identify and apprehend offenders,” Azare stated.
“My directive to these perpetrators is unequivocal: cease these activities immediately or face severe legal consequences. The law will prevail, and justice will be served. We refuse to let a handful of wrongdoers damage the reputation of our vibrant cultural traditions,” he concluded.
