Fear Grips Akwa Ibom Communities As Residents Seek Security Over Ekpo Masquerade Festival

Fear has gripped communities in Abak, Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State as residents seek urgent security intervention ahead of the yuletide season over alleged threats associated with the Ekpo masquerade festival.

The apprehension follows warnings by initiates of the Ekpo masquerade cult, regarded as custodians of the cultural and traditional heritage of communities, particularly Afahaobong, Midim and Etim Ekpo, as well as parts of Ukanafun, Essien Udim and neighbouring local government areas.

LEADERSHIP gathered at the weekend that the masqueraders had announced their traditional rituals and dress rehearsals ahead of the main festival, which residents alleged were often accompanied by violence against women and non-initiates.

Worried by the possibility of injuries and loss of lives, affected communities have petitioned the Akwa Ibom State Government and the police, requesting enhanced security arrangements to protect residents during the festivities.

A resident of the Afahaobong axis of Abak LGA, Nseobong Udofia, recalled that several people were injured during last year’s festival when arrows allegedly fired by masqueraders struck members of the public.

“Last year, during the festival, dangerous arrows flung into the crowd of non-members injured several persons. The arrows pierced into the eyes, legs and back of some women fleeing on motorcycles,” he said.

Similarly, a female resident of Midim clan, Nsisong Bassey, said she narrowly escaped an attack during last year’s festival.

“I escaped into the bush from being harmed with cutlass at last year’s festival, after being chased by a seven-faced masquerader,” she recalled.

Other residents recounted incidents involving motorcyclists, commercial transporters and commuters who allegedly suffered accidents while attempting to escape from armed masquerade members.

A motorcyclist from Urua Anwa community in Oruk Anam LGA, Ekanem Udobong, alleged that some participants exploited the festivities to perpetrate crimes, including sexual assault, robbery and livestock theft.

“Some of the members would hide under the masks to rape the female folks, rob passengers and motorists, while others would play into the late night hours so they can shed blood in order to be crowned with a chicken feather to the head.

“Others would hide guns under the flowing gown and other thick coverings to commit armed robbery, or steal people’s livestock in the process,” he alleged.

To address the concerns, residents, under the auspices of the Concerned Citizens Forum (CCF), submitted a letter titled, “Security Alert to Akwa Ibom State Government and Nigeria Police Force: Urgent Security Advisory for Women During Traditional Masquerade Display.”

In the petition, the group drew the attention of the state government and police to what it described as potential security threats associated with the forthcoming masquerade display.

“We would like to bring to your immediate attention a pressing security concern regarding the upcoming traditional masquerade display.

“It has come to our notice that women in our community are advised to avoid certain roads due to potential risks associated with this event,” part of the letter read.

The petitioners identified the affected routes as Abak-Ikot Ekpene Road, Afahaobong-Etim Ekpo Road, the Otoro axis from Ofot Road and parts of Ukanafun Local Government Area.

They urged the state government to strengthen security across the affected communities, particularly during the three-day festival, to prevent unlawful activities and protect residents, especially women.

Their recommendations included increased police patrols and deployment of additional security personnel to monitor the identified routes, public awareness campaigns to educate residents on safety measures and the establishment of a rapid response team to handle emergencies.

“The well-being of our women and the community as a whole is of utmost importance. We urge the government to take swift action to mitigate any potential risks associated with this traditional event,” the petitioners stated.

The letter was signed by the group’s chairman, Mr Ekom Ukpe, and Comrade Jasper.