Akwa Ibom State government has expressed concern over the menace of Ekpo masquerades following the recent attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, including a female student of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), who escaped being killed by the masquerades.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that a near-death incident of violent attack of a female student of the UNIUYO in a village within the Uyo local government area, was averted by vigilant youths when the masquerades inflicted deep machete cuts on the head and other parts of the students.
Addressing a forum of paramount rulers in Uyo, the state capital, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, expressed dismay at the menace, saying such unruly behaviours remain unacceptable and intolerable “because it’s not in line with the true culture and norms of the people.”
Archibong, who frowned at widespread reports of the menace posed by Ekpo masquerades in some parts of the state concerning cases of wilful harassment and brutalisation of members of the public, appealed to the royal fathers and the police to be in the vanguard of checking and regulating masquerades’ activities.
He acknowledged Ekpo masquerade as an integral element of African cultural heritage. Still, he warned that their conduct must be within the limits of the norms and laws governing human society “in a manner that respects the dignity, safety and rights of the people.”
The commissioner noted that using it as an instrument of threat, killing and other anti-social activities violates the original intentions.
Meanwhile, the state police command under the leadership of the commissioner of police (CP), Baba Azare, has warned individuals and groups using masquerade festivals as a cover for criminal activities.
Azare expressed concern and disappointment over the recent trend of some masquerades, whose conduct should serve as the traditional symbol of cultural heritage, entertainment, and celebration, being involved in a range of illicit acts.
He listed the illegal activities of the masquerades to include: aiding and abetting crimes, unlawful possession of firearms, assaulting members of the public unjustly and peddling of hard drugs.
“Masquerades are meant to bring joy and showcase our rich cultural identity, not to serve as a disguise for criminal elements. It is utterly disheartening to see this revered tradition being desecrated by a few misguided individuals tarnishing our cultural values,” the commissioner said.
He emphasised that “the police command will no longer tolerate this menace” and warned that “anyone caught using masquerade costumes to perpetrate such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law.
“The command will intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts and operations to identify and apprehend those involved.
“My message to these criminals is clear: desist from these acts immediately or be prepared to face the consequences. The long arm of the law will catch up with you, and you will be brought to book. We will not allow a few bad apples to spoil the reputation of our vibrant cultural heritage,” Azare declared.
