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Police arrest three men over a suspected masquerade-related disturbance along Mbak Akpan Ekpenyong.
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Masquerade regalia recovered from the suspects as exhibits, while other participants reportedly fled on sighting the police.
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CP Baba Mohammed Azare warns against using cultural activities as a cover for disorder, intimidation or violence.
September 03, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with a suspected masquerade-related disturbance along Mbak Akpan Ekpenyong, reaffirming its determination to prevent activities capable of threatening public peace across the state.
The suspects, identified as Uwakmfon Sunday, Edidiong Jackson and Sunday Tom, were arrested on August 31, 2026, following a distress call received by the Command at about 5:52 p.m. concerning the incident.
According to the Command, its operatives immediately mobilised to the area and succeeded in restoring normalcy and preventing the situation from escalating.
Other participants at the scene reportedly fled upon sighting the police, while masquerade regalia found in the possession of the three arrested suspects were recovered and secured as exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professional handling of the situation.
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Azare warned individuals and groups against exploiting cultural or traditional activities as a cover for disorder, intimidation, violence or other unlawful conduct, stressing that no person or group would be allowed to undermine the peace and security of the state.
He, however, clarified that the Police Command respects lawful cultural and traditional practices and would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that such activities are conducted peacefully and within the law.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, threats to public safety and breaches of the peace to the nearest police formation or through established emergency communication channels.
The latest arrest underscores the delicate balance between protecting cultural traditions and maintaining public order, particularly in communities where masquerade activities can attract large gatherings and heightened emotions.
The police response also signals that the Command intends to intervene early whenever cultural activities begin to pose a threat to lives, property or public peace.
For Akwa Ibom, the bigger challenge is ensuring that security enforcement does not unnecessarily criminalise legitimate cultural practices.
The most effective approach will be sustained engagement with traditional institutions and community leaders so that cultural events are properly organised, participants understand the boundaries of the law, and security agencies can distinguish genuine tradition from activities deliberately designed to cause disorder.
