Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has expressed worry over the rate of attacks by masquerades on citizens, saying their activities have gone contrary to the normal norms of a civilized society.
Governor Emmanuel spoke against the backdrop of the recent attack on a church at Idu community in Uruan ocal government area in which properties belonging to the church and cars of worshippers were destroyed.
Besides, masquerades reportedly raped a lady at Ifa Atai community in Uyo local government area and also wreaked more havoc in Afahaobong, a traditional community in Abak local government area of the state.
The governor, who said his administration has zero tolerance for insecurity, promptly declared activities of masquerades banned on the capital, Uyo and environs.
He said he would not hesitate to prosecute any masquerade found culpable in the recent attack on a place of worship and breach of public peace in the state.
He, therefore, instructed security agencies to hunt and arrest perpetrators with a view to prosecuting them in order to serve as a deterrent to others.
“If you see any masquerade around the state capital, do well to alert the police and any other security agency for prompt action in arresting them because I want to personally prosecute them,” Emmanuel warned.
