Lagos State Police Command has ordered that all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted to designated outing points.
The directive, issued on Sunday, aims to curb rising clashes between rival masquerade groups and prevent incidents of violence and property damage across the state.
In a statement, 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, protection of lives and properties, and to safeguard the rights of adherents and followers 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, particularly as rivalries among Egungun groups have intensified in recent days. He warned that any individual or group found disturbing law and order or violating fundamental human rights would face the full weight of the law.
