Police Arrest Two Ekpo Masquerade Practitioners Over Alleged Attacks On Ikot Ekpene Residents
By EFFANGA OSOK
THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected Ekpo masquerade practitioners for allegedly assaulting residents, extorting passers-by and terrorising members of the public in parts of Ikot Ekpene.
The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said officers arrested the suspects on 26 October 2026, at about 6 p.m. along the Ukana/Abak Highway during an operational show of force.
She identified the suspects as 29-year-old Ine Isong of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village and 20-year-old Emmanuel Ekpenyong from Ikono Local Government Area.
According to the police, officers recovered masquerade costumes, machetes, spears and arrows from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects and other alleged participants had been intimidating residents and demanding money from unsuspecting members of the public. Some victims, particularly women, were also allegedly assaulted.
Meanwhile, the police said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify other persons who might have participated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned that the command would not allow anyone to use cultural practices or masquerade activities to commit crimes, intimidate residents or extort money.
However, he reaffirmed the police commitment to respecting lawful cultural traditions while maintaining public order and protecting residents.
The command also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and criminal conduct as it intensifies efforts to maintain security across the state.
