Police arrest masquerades over breach of public peace in Akwa Ibom
It is a very serious matter when the very things that are supposed to celebrate our culture become the same things that make our people live in fear. For many residents of Akwa Ibom State, the sight of a masquerade on the street used to be a thing of joy and pride. But lately, that joy has been replaced by anxiety because of some “bad eggs” who have decided to use the mask as a cover to harass and extort innocent citizens.
In a fresh move to restore sanity and ensure that everyone can walk freely without fear of being flogged or robbed, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has once again shown that nobody is above the law, even behind a mask. As an editor watching these developments, I can tell you that this is a needed step to protect the peace of the state and ensure that our heritage does not become a tool for crime.
The truth about why Governor Umo Eno banned street masquerades
Many people have been asking why the government had to take such a tough stand against traditional displays. The answer is simple but quite painful. Governor Umo Eno had to sign a very strict Executive Order because the situation was getting out of hand. We are talking about reports of young women being stripped naked and flogged in public, roads being blocked for hours, and people being forced to pay “tribute” just to pass through their own neighborhoods.
While the Governor has made it clear that he has the utmost respect for our culture and traditions, he has also insisted that no culture should be allowed to terrorize the people. This ban on street and highway displays is not about killing our tradition but about moving it to a more organized and safe environment like the village square where it belongs.
Details of the recent police operation in Etinan Local Government
The latest action from the police happened just this Friday, January 23, 2026, around the Etinan Local Government Area. According to the report from the state command, they received a distress call from an anonymous source about a serious breach of peace. It turns out that some individuals under the guise of masquerade activities were acting in a very violent and disorderly manner.
The police, led by Commissioner CP Baba Mohammad Azare, did not waste any time in responding to the call. Three suspects were arrested on the spot for their alleged involvement in the chaos. This quick response is a clear message that the police are not just making empty threats: they are actually on the ground and ready to enforce the law to the letter.
What the police commissioner says about protecting citizens and culture
CP Baba Mohammad Azare has been very vocal about his mission to sanitize the state of all forms of criminal activities disguised as tradition. He warned that any masquerade found on the highways or streets without a proper permit and police coverage will face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner emphasized that while the command supports tourism and cultural growth, it will not tolerate a situation where people are maimed or robbed. The police are currently working hard to ensure that all those who were injured in recent attacks get justice, and they are encouraging the public to keep speaking up. In the end, we all want an Akwa Ibom where we can celebrate our roots without looking over our shoulders in fear.
Watch this report on the police arresting masquerades in Akwa Ibom
