The Police on Sunday insisted in Uyo on the ban on masquerade in Akwa Ibom State, warning residents that the ban on masquerades parades is still in force in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, SP Odiko Macdon, in a statement explained that the ban became necessary following violent and lawless actions of masquerades leading to killings, threats to lives, assaults and other breaches to fundamental rights.
According to the PPRO, “A case in point is the `EKONG’ in Mbak Ikot Abasi and Mbak Ikot Idiongo Villages in Mbak Etoi in Etoi Clan, Uyo.”
He cited the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, to have warned that anyone who flouts the ban would face the wrath of the law.
Macdon advised law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation, assuring that the police would spare no efforts at ensuring their safety.
The Police declared an illegal curfew imposed by masquerades on the communities to take effect from dusk to dawn on August 20, 22, 27 and 29.
The PPRO said the curfew infringed on the fundamental rights of the people to move freely and to associate.