Deborah Akinyosoye
The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday ordered the restriction of all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival to only designated outing points.
The command said the directive is necessary to curb the escalating clashes between rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage in various parts of the state.
This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Police Command hereby announce the restriction of all Egungun masquerade festival activities to designated masquerade outing points and venues of celebrations only.
“This directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety, and protection of lives and properties, and also protects and make sure that the rights of the adherents and followers of other religious faiths and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals.”
Hundeyin emphasised that the measure aims to prevent further breaches of peace, particularly as rivalries among Egungun groups have intensified in recent days.
He warned that any group or individual found disturbing law and order or violating fundamental human rights would face the full weight of the law.