Ademola Busayo 
The Lagos State Police Command has ordered that this year’s annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted to designated outing points only.
According to the command, the directive became necessary following rising clashes among rival masquerade groups, as well as reports of violence and destruction of property across parts of the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Police Command hereby announce the restriction of all Egungun masquerade festival activities to designated masquerade outing points and venues of celebrations only.
”This directive prohibits practitioners from engaging in public processions or street marching to ensure safety, and protection of lives and properties, and also protects and make sure that the rights of the adherents and followers of other religious faiths and groups are not infringed upon or molested during the current Egungun Masquerade festivals.”
Hundeyin explained that the restriction is intended to forestall further breakdown of peace, especially as rivalries among Egungun groups have recently escalated.
He cautioned that any group or individual who disrupts public order or infringes on the rights of others would be made to face the full force of the law.
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Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
Ayo Marvel 
