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By Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Police Command has threatened to arrest any masquerades found performing outside celebration venue of any occasion.
Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)CSP Benjamin Hundeyin,said that the restriction became necessary in view of the clashes and crime the state had witnessed in recent time with such performance.
“The police Command in Lagos State, hereby, announce the restriction of all Egungun masquerade festival activities to designated masquerade outing points and venues of celebrations only.
“This directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety, and protection of lives and properties. It also protects and make sure that the rights of the adherents and followers of other religious faiths and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals,” he said.
Hundeyin pointed out that the restriction guaranteed public safety and prevent further clashes between rival Egugun groups as currently being witnessed.
He said that it prevent damage to private and public properties as being reported in the last few days in some parts the state.
“Egugun Masquerades, practitioners and supporters are to strictly abide by these restrictions.
“They are also required to inform the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command and apply for police security ahead of the coming out of the Egugun Masquerade and followers.
“The Command will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on any Egungun Masquerade or their adherents and followers found in the disturbance of law and order, or in violation of fundamental human rights and dignity of human persons of the people of other religions or whose conducts are likely to cause breach of the peace anywhere in Lagos State.
“Lagos State police Command, therefore, implores all Egugun 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 said.
