The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, has issued a directive restricting all Egungun Festival activities within the state to designated outing points and approved celebration venues.
The announcement, made in a statement on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, emphasized that practitioners are prohibited from holding public processions or marching through the streets.
According to Hundeyin, the measure is designed to ensure the safety of lives and property while protecting the rights of adherents of other religions and groups during the ongoing Egungun Masquerade festivals.
“This directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety and protection of lives and properties. It also ensures that the rights of adherents of other religious faiths and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals,” the statement read in part.
The spokesperson further highlighted that the restriction will also help prevent clashes between rival Egungun groups, which have been reported in parts of Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command urged all practitioners and participants to adhere strictly to the new directive in order to guarantee peaceful celebrations across the state.
