JUST IN: Police announce restrictions for Egungun masquerade festival
JUST IN: Police announce restrictions for Egungun masquerade festival
The Lagos State Police Command has announced that Egungun masquerade festival activities are now restricted to designated outing points and approved celebration venues only.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police announced that the directive prohibits public processions and street marches to safeguard lives and property, and to protect the rights of adherents of other faiths during the festival period.
The Command explained that the measure follows recent reports of clashes between rival groups and damage to public and private property. Practitioners and supporters are required to notify the Commissioner of Police and apply for police security ahead of any masquerade outing.
It warned that the full weight of the law would be applied to any masquerade or followers who disturb public peace, violate human rights, or engage in conduct likely to cause unrest. The Command urged all Egungun adherents and supporters to cooperate with the police and comply with the law to sustain peace and order across the state.
