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The Anambra State Government has threatened to ban and prosecute masquerade groups whose activities threaten public peace, following rising concerns over violent and unruly conduct during traditional festivals in the state.
The warning was issued through a public service announcement signed by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Donatus Onyenji.
The move follows reports of public assault, intimidation, harassment, and attacks allegedly carried out by a masquerade known as “Agaba Awgbu” in the Awgbu community, Orumba South Local Government Area, an incident that sparked public outrage.
PUNCH Online reports that in a viral video that circulated on social media, the masquerade was seen chasing and attacking passers-by, disrupting a public function and causing tension without provocation.
The incident, which occurred during the last Ofala Festival of the traditional ruler of the Awgbu community, drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for government intervention.
Following the development, the Anambra State Police Command arrested the masquerade and later identified a 28-year-old man, Ifesinachi Ezeolu, as the individual behind the violent act.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect’s actions followed widespread public complaints, adding that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons connected to the incident.
In the public service announcement dated January 16, 2026, and obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, the commissioner said the state government had observed with concern the “rascally behaviour” of some masquerades, stressing that guidelines on masquerading issued in 2024 remain in force.
The announcement, titled ‘Re: Misconduct of some masquerades in Anambra State’, partly read, “Following the rascally behaviour of some masquerades in Anambra State, some of which have gone viral on social media, the Anambra State Government hereby reminds masquerade groups and communities that the government directives issued in 2024 are still in force.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to reiterate the state government’s position and guidelines on masquerading, which include that no masquerade should engage in unruly behaviour that causes harm to law-abiding citizens or disrupts public peace.
“All masquerade groups are required to perform only at designated community spaces or squares and must not obstruct traffic or harass motorists and other members of the public.
“All law enforcement agencies, community leaders, particularly presidents-general and traditional rulers, are hereby reminded of their responsibilities and are requested to ensure strict compliance.
“While Governor Chukwuma Soludo supports cultural festivals and masquerading as part of Anambra’s heritage, such activities must be conducted responsibly, especially as the state is fast becoming a destination for cultural tourism, leisure and entertainment.
“The government will not hesitate to clamp down on, ban or prosecute any masquerade that breaches public peace through misconduct of any kind. Some masquerades and their groups that have defied this directive have already been arrested and are facing the law.”
The commissioner urged communities to promote Anambra’s cultural heritage in a “decent and interesting fashion,” emphasising that culture remains a source of pride and must not be allowed to become a tool for violence or intimidation.
