Akwa Ibom police ban masquerades over murder, assault cases

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned the activities of masquerades across the state.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Odiko Macdon, the ban became necessary following violent and lawless actions of masqueraders leading to murders, threats to lives, assaults and other breaches of fundamental rights.

“A case in point is the `EKONG’ in Mbak Ikot Abasi and Mbak Ikot Idiongo Villages in Mbak Etoi in Etoi Clan, Uyo,’’ Odiko stated.

The force also scrapped a curfew imposed by masquerades in Mbak Ikot Abasi and Mbak Ikot Idiongo villages in Mbak Etoi in Etoi Clan, Uyo.

Odiko added that the curfew imposed by the masquerade infringed on the fundamental rights of the people to freedom of association and movement.

The statement partly read, “Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the ban on the activities of Secret masquerades within the state.

“This has become an imperative sequel to the violent and lawless actions of most of these masquerades leading to murders, threats to lives, assaults and other breaches to fundamental human rights.”

Also, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olatoye Durosinmi warned that anyone who flouted the ban would face the wrath of the law.

The police chief advised law-abiding citizens to go about their activities without fear of molestation.