Lagos Police Restrict Egungun Festival Activities to Designated Locations
The Lagos State Police Command has announced restrictions on activities related to the ongoing Egungun masquerade festival, limiting celebrations strictly to approved masquerade outing points and designated venues.
The directive, according to the Command, prohibits public processions and street marches by masqueraders and their followers in order to safeguard lives and property, as well as to protect the rights of residents of other faiths.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the move became necessary following recent reports of violent clashes between rival masquerade groups and damage to both private and public property in parts of the state.
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“Egungun masquerades, practitioners, and supporters are to strictly abide by these restrictions. They are also required to notify the Commissioner of Police and apply for security ahead of any outing,” the statement read.
The Command warned that it would not hesitate to enforce the law against any masquerade group or adherents found disturbing public peace, violating human rights, or causing disorder.
While urging full compliance, the police appealed for cooperation from practitioners to ensure a peaceful festival period.
“The Lagos State Police Command therefore implores all Egungun masquerades, adherents, and supporters to cooperate with the police during this festival period, ensure compliance with the laws of the land, so as to sustain peace, law, and order in Lagos State,” Hundeyin added.
By PRNigeria
