By Admin
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals using masquerade festivals as a cover for criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Baba Azare, gave the warning in a statement signed by DSP Timfon John, the command’s Spokesman in Uyo on Thursday.
Azare said that some masquerades have been involved in illicit acts such as aiding and abetting crimes, illegal possession of firearms, assaulting members of the public, and peddling hard drugs.
The commissioner expressed deep concern and disappointment over the trend, stating that masquerades are meant to showcase cultural heritage, entertainment, and celebration, not serve as a disguise for criminal elements.
“We will no longer tolerate this menace,” CP Azare warned. “Anyone caught using masquerade costumes to perpetrate such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law.
“The command will intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts and operations to identify and apprehend those involved, ” he said.
He urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information to help curb the trend.
Accordi to him, the command is determined to protect the state’s cultural heritage and ensure that those who abuse it face justice.
