RismadarVoice Reporters, April 29, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested individuals parading as masquerades for breaching existing government directives regulating such activities across the state.
In a statement, the Police said the suspects were intercepted on April 23, 2026, along the Onna–Ikot Abasi Road while heading to Onna to engage in activities capable of disturbing public peace.
The arrest, according to the Command, was in line with directives by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, prohibiting unauthorised masquerade displays outside approved locations such as village squares and town halls without prior police approval.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly hired from Atabong Village in Eket Local Government Area to perform at a burial ceremony in Ndon Eyo Village, Onna LGA—an act said to contravene public safety regulations.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the individual who engaged them.
The Police warned that masquerade activities must strictly comply with laid-down guidelines, stressing that any attempt to use cultural displays to incite unrest or intimidate residents will be met with decisive action.
The Command also urged the public to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with credible information, assuring residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
