On Monday, the Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Don Onyenji, called on traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure the orderly display of masquerades during their festivals.

The commissioner made the call in an interview in Awka.

Mr Onyenji said this was necessary as some masquerades attack residents and, in some instances, kill and destroy properties.

He said the government would no longer tolerate any masquerade activities that inflict pain on residents.

According to him, the government has zero tolerance for rascality, even in the form of masquerades.

“We are warning communities to hold their town hall meetings before the commencement of cultural activities.

“We cannot continue to record avoidable deaths, abuse of human rights, and destruction of properties by masquerades in the name of cultural display.

“Recall that in 2022, the governor warmed and urged all forms of masquerades on display in the state to conduct their activities in an orderly manner to avoid any ugly incident,” he said.

Mr Onyenji said Governor Charles Soludo’s administration was willing to sustain and promote the cultural heritage of various communities, but not to the detriment of people’s rights and safety. 

(NAN)