The Lagos State Police Command have announced the restriction of all Egungun masquerade festival activities to designated masquerade outing points and venues of celebrations only.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command-CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety, and protection of lives and properties as well as ensure that the rights of the adherents and followers of other religious faith and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals.
As part of measures to guarantee public safety and prevent further clashes between rival Egungun groups as currently being witnessed in Lagos and prevent damage to private and public properties, Egungun 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 says it 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 with regard to the people of other religions, if their conducts are likely to cause breach of the peace anywhere in Lagos State.
Lagos State Police Command therefore implores all Egungun 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.
