The Akwa Ibom Police Police Command says it has arrested two suspected Ekpo masquerade participants over allegations of extortion, assault and terrorising residents in parts of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the suspects were arrested on Monday, October 26, along the Ukana/Abak Highway during an operational show of force at about 6pm.
The suspects were identified as: Ime Isong, 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, of Ikono Local Government Area.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were allegedly found in possession of Ekpo masquerade costumes and other attire, as well as machetes, spears and arrows.
John said preliminary reports indicated that the suspects and other individuals allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting money from unsuspecting passers-by.
She added that some innocent persons, particularly women, had reportedly been assaulted in the course of the alleged activities.
The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other persons who might have participated in the alleged offences.
She quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, as warning that the command would not tolerate the use of cultural practices or masquerade activities as a cover for criminality, intimidation, extortion or violence against members of the public.
According to the statement, Azare reaffirmed the police commitment to respecting lawful cultural traditions but stressed that no individual or group would be permitted to take the law into its own hands or threaten the peace and security of residents.
The command urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal conduct as it intensifies efforts to maintain law and order across the State.