Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has issued a stern warning that any masquerades seen parading on the streets of the state will face arrest and prosecution.
“Let people have peace “
According to the governor, masquerades have been causing havoc in some local government areas, prompting him, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to direct the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce the ban.
“Let people have peace. All those ones I see when we’re driving… let it be said that it is hereby banned. No more,” Governor Eno said.
Social media reactions
The directive has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
@TobouJ67815 questioned the consistency of the policy, asking: “Recklessness, will you arrest Muslim women with veils also?”
@BASILAZU criticised the governor’s priorities: “This is an unnecessary distraction. Oga governor, face the work of giving Akwa Ibom people democratic dividends and leave masquerades alone. What is the difference between happy hour beer drinking instituted by you and masquerade entertainment—if you claim to be a pastor?”
@mrTonySoul added: “You can’t abolish our culture in Akwa Ibom… masquerades are for festivities.”
@yink commented in agreement, suggesting the measure could be extended: “We also need to do this in Lagos. They are becoming a menace.”
@princetonishere reacted humorously: “This will be funny. Police go collect flogging.”
Watch the video below…
“Any masquerade found on the streets of Akwa Ibom State parading would be arrested and prosecuted.”
—Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno pic.twitter.com/5IqRIgkM4H
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 30, 2025