The Lagos State Police Command has announced new restrictions on the ongoing Egungun masquerade festival, limiting activities strictly to designated masquerade outing points and approved celebration venues.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police emphasized that the directive prohibits public processions and street marches by masqueraders and their supporters. The move, according to the Command, is aimed at safeguarding lives and property, as well as protecting the rights of adherents of other faiths across the state.
The statement highlighted recent reports of clashes between rival masquerade groups and incidents of damage to public and private property in some parts of Lagos, stressing that the restrictions were necessary to prevent further breaches of peace.
“All Egungun masquerades, practitioners, and supporters are required to inform the Commissioner of Police ahead of any outings and apply for police security,” the statement read.
The Command also warned that it would not hesitate to enforce the full weight of the law on any masquerade group or individuals found disturbing public order, violating human rights, or causing unrest during the festival.
CSP Hundeyin urged all masquerade adherents and their supporters to cooperate with the police and comply with the laws of the land, assuring that these measures are meant to ensure peace and order throughout the festival period.
