Public Safety: Akwa Ibom Bans Masquerade Displays on Public Streets

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed an Executive Order banning the activities of masquerades on streets and highways across the state in the interest of public safety and order.

The development was announced on Wednesday through a statement released via the Government House media platform.

The governor had earlier disclosed the decision last week, citing repeated incidents in which masquerade activities allegedly led to the harassment of residents, extortion, and serious threats to public safety.

Speaking while signing the order at the Government House in Uyo, Governor Eno directed security agencies to begin strict enforcement of the ban.

“By the authority of my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I hereby issue this directive. Anyone caught violating it will be arrested and prosecuted. These activities have been used to cause chaos in several local government areas. As the chief security officer of the state, I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce this order. Let people live in peace and without fear,” the governor stated.

While acknowledging the cultural significance of masquerade traditions, Eno stressed that the restriction became necessary to curb rising insecurity, public disturbance, and disorder linked to street performances.

The governor recalled several troubling incidents, including cases where masquerades halted traffic on highways, created panic, and even caused physical harm to residents.

“Many of us have personally witnessed the disruption and embarrassment these activities cause. On our roads, vehicles are sometimes forced to stop suddenly, creating serious risks of accidents. Recently, a young woman was reportedly attacked and flogged by masqueraders. While I respect culture, every citizen has rights. No cultural practice should be used to harm others,” he said.

Governor Eno also referenced existing legal provisions which require police clearance for masquerade activities, adding that such displays should be restricted to designated community locations.

“If you want to display masquerades, do so in your village square and with proper approval. Do not take it to our streets and highways. Do not use it to disturb public peace,” he warned.

He further urged residents not to take the law into their own hands or hide behind cultural practices to disrupt public order.

“I am not banning culture. I am saying do not allow culture to become a tool for chaos. Restrict these activities to appropriate locations,” he added.

The governor also linked the decision to his administration’s efforts to boost tourism and promote a peaceful image of the state under the ARISE Agenda.

“We are working to position Akwa Ibom as a tourist destination. We must not create an atmosphere that scares visitors or suggests that disorder is tolerated,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, commended the governor for what he described as a bold and timely decision.

Azare noted that masquerade activities had increasingly posed security threats, led to violence, and disrupted legitimate daily activities in many communities. He added that the Executive Order provides a clear legal framework for enforcement.

The police boss assured the governor that operational directives have already been issued to area commanders and tactical units to ensure full compliance with the order across all 31 local government areas of the state.