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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state Police said it has arrested two Ekpo masquerades and their leader for extorting money from members of the public and assaulted a members of the National Youth Service Corps in Uyo metropolis.
According to a statement signed the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom DSP Timfon John and made available to Journalists in Uyo at the weekend, other criminal activities of the Ekpo masquerades cult include illegal assembly, armed blockade of highway and public disturbance.
The Police Spokesperson stated that the arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route.
John said the caller explained that the masquerades were armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons which were used to physically assault members of the public including NYSC members.
The statement reads in parts :
“Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public despite an existing ban on such displays.
“Upon receipt of the information, Operatives of the Command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah”.
John disclosed that another masquerade was arrested, unmasked and identified as David Michael at Ikot Obong Edong in full masquerade attire preparing to invade the community.
“In a related development, one David Michael ‘M’ aged 34 years of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while in possession of complete masquerade costumes, preparing to invade the area.
“The two suspects have been charged to court following a thorough investigation into the matter”
John said the Commissioner of Police in the state CP Baba Azare has reassured members of the public of the command’s commitment to maintain safety and order in the state .
“The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorized use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime.
“Members of the public are urged to continue to provide timely and useful information to the police to prevent crime and ensure that all communities remain safe and secure for lawful activities”.
