Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two Ekpo masquerade participants over allegations of terrorising residents, extorting money from passers-by and assaulting members of the public in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were arrested at about 6pm on Monday, October 26, along the Ukana/Abak Highway during a police operation, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfom John, disclosed in a statement on Thursday.
The suspects were identified as Ine Isong, 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, from Ikono Local Government Area.
According to the police, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows.
John said preliminary reports indicated that the suspects and other individuals allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and demanding money from unsuspecting members of the public.
“Reports further indicate that some innocent persons, particularly women, were assaulted in the process,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other individuals who might have been involved.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned against using cultural practices or masquerade activities as a cover for criminality, intimidation, extortion and violence.
The command stressed that while lawful cultural traditions would be respected, it would not tolerate activities that threaten the safety and security of residents.
The police urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and criminal conduct as the command continues efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
