The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly displaying on the streets without authorisation and inflicting life-threatening injuries on innocent people.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Azare disclosed that the masquerades were arrested in the Eket Local Government Area of the state during the Ekid Day celebration, which was held on Saturday.
The CP noted that those injured by the masquerades were receiving medical treatment in undisclosed hospitals in the state.
He lamented that the action of the masquerades contravened the executive order recently signed by Governor Umo Eno banning masquerades from operating in the streets without due approval of the Police.
Two weeks ago, Eno had acknowledged his utmost respect for the culture and tradition, but stressed that his decision was prompted by the need to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos and nuisance perpetuated by masquerades, and to restore dignity and sanity in the 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,” he said.
“This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder.”
In November, the command arrested a leader of a masquerade cultural group commonly called ”Ekpo” Uwem Umanah over alleged criminal activities.
The suspect was arrested after a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld), which revealed that the masquerade cultural group was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public.
