The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has taken three masquerades into custody following reports of violent conduct and attacks on members of the public.
Arrests Made During Cultural Celebration
State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, announced the arrests during a press briefing in Uyo on Monday, December 22, 2025. The incident occurred in the Eket Local Government Area. The masquerades were reportedly operating on the streets without proper authorization during the Ekid Day celebration held the previous Saturday.
Azare stated that the actions of the arrested individuals led to life-threatening injuries for several innocent citizens. Those harmed in the attacks are currently receiving medical treatment at undisclosed hospitals within the state.
Contravention of Executive Order
The Police Commissioner lamented that the masquerades' behavior directly violated a recent executive order signed by Governor Umo Eno. This order bans masquerades from operating in public streets without due approval from the police.
Governor Eno had clarified his position two weeks prior, expressing utmost respect for culture and tradition. However, he stressed that the decision was necessary to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos, and public nuisance perpetuated by some masquerades. The goal is to restore dignity and sanity in society.
"The Command is in compliance with the Executive Order of the Akwa Ibom State Government restricting masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage," CP Azare affirmed. He added that "This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder."
A Pattern of Enforcement
This is not an isolated enforcement action. In November, the command arrested a leader of a masquerade cultural group, commonly known as "Ekpo," identified as Uwem Umanah. He was taken into custody over alleged criminal activities.
That arrest followed a distress call from a concerned citizen. The report revealed that the cultural group was attacking people, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from the public.
The recent arrests in Eket signal the police command's continued commitment to enforcing the governor's order and maintaining public safety during cultural events.
