Lagos Police restricts masquerade festival to designated venues

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered that all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted to designated outing points.

The directive, announced on Sunday, aims to curb rising clashes between rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage across the state.

In a statement, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said:

“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, protect lives and properties, and safeguard the rights of adherents of other religious faiths and groups during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals.”

Hundeyin noted that the measure is intended to prevent further breaches of peace, especially as tensions among Egungun groups have escalated 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.