Akwa Ibom bans masquerade displays as Governor Umo Eno cracks down on criminals hiding under traditional performances.

Akwa Ibom State has placed an indefinite ban on masquerade displays as the government moves to curb rising insecurity linked to the practice.

Governor Umo Eno announced the directive during a state event, saying the decision followed repeated reports of criminals disguising as masquerades to attack innocent residents.

According to him, what should ordinarily be a cultural performance has now become a cover for violent activities in some communities.

The governor said his administration would no longer tolerate any act that threatens public safety.

He warned that anyone caught parading as a masquerade would be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation.

“As Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I am issuing this order today. People have been using masquerades to cause trouble in some local government areas,” he said.

He directed the Commissioner of Police and other security heads to enforce the ban strictly, emphasizing that no individual or group would be exempt.

Governor Eno also appealed to residents to support efforts to maintain peace across the state.

“Let’s stop terrorising people. Let people have peace. From today, masquerade displays are banned—no more,” he declared.

The concern is not new.

In recent weeks, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command revealed that several suspects had been arrested for crimes committed under the guise of masquerade performances.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare confirmed that those arrested are already being prosecuted, adding that the ban will help close loopholes exploited by criminals.