Police arrest masquerade in Akwa Ibom days after state governor, Umo Eno, banned their activities

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has swiftly enforced Governor Umo Eno's indefinite ban on masquerade displays by arresting a man dressed in full traditional regalia for allegedly disrupting public peace on the streets of Uyo, the state capital. 

The suspect, identified as David Effiong, an indigene of the state, was apprehended early Monday morning, just over 24 hours after the governor's directive took effect over the weekend. Police authorities confirmed that Effiong will be charged in court upon completion of ongoing investigations, underscoring the administration's zero-tolerance stance on violations.

Governor Eno, speaking at a state function on Sunday during the 25th wedding anniversary of a civil servant couple in Uyo, announced the ban amid growing concerns over escalating violence and criminality masquerading as cultural tradition. "By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I’m issuing an order. Anyone caught will be arrested and tried. They have been using it to cause trouble in some local government areas," Eno declared, directing the Commissioner of Police, Baba Tijani, and heads of other security agencies to enforce the prohibition without exception. He emphasized the need to prioritize public safety, stating, "Let’s stop terrorising people. Let people have peace… it is hereby banned. No more."

The decision stems from a surge in reports of intimidation, assaults, and property damage attributed to individuals exploiting masquerade festivals—deep-rooted elements of Ibibio and Annang cultural heritage—to perpetrate crimes. In recent weeks, the state police command had already flagged "suspected criminal masquerades" as a security threat, with Commissioner Tijani announcing prior arrests of offenders facing prosecution. Effiong's case, captured in viral social media footage showing officers detaining the figure amid a crowd, exemplifies the rapid response to these directives and highlights the tension between preserving tradition and curbing misuse.

While the ban applies statewide and indefinitely, Eno clarified that it targets street parades and disruptive activities, not the cultural essence of masquerades themselves. "We will continue to promote our culture, but we will not promote tradition that compromises peace," he noted, urging residents to report violations. Community leaders and cultural custodians have welcomed the measure as a necessary safeguard, though some have called for dialogue to ensure traditional festivals evolve without losing their communal value.