Masquerade practice in Africa is an integral element of the African cultural heritage. Its meaning transcends human differences and this dates back to the pre-historic African society.
Ekpo, as being called by the Ibibio and Annang people of Akwa Ibom state is believed to represent the ancestral spirits and acts, serving as bridge between the living and the dead.
Regrettably, while some communities use this cultural display to instill discipline and correct ills among members, others use it to cause havoc.
In August, 2022, the police authorities in Akwa Ibom state announced the ban of masquerade activities across the state. The order enjoyed popular media coverage in both national tabloids and electronic media firms.
The ban followed the use of the culture as instrument of threat, murder and other anti-social manifestations in the community, thus violating the original intention of these cultural practices.
This special report examines the ordeal of the family of Mr THOMAS UKOABASI, whose members are seeking intervention following a reign of terror on them from those who disguised as ekpo masquerades.
The family of UKOABASI THOMAS in Edem Ibiok, Ibesikpo represents victims of cruel treatments meted out by some culprits, whose aim is to unleash terror on fellow community members. Mrs. ANIEMA UKOABASI narrates her ordeal. She speaks in vernacular.
In addition, IMABASI THOMAS UKOABASI’S experience of the masquerade molestation is far a cry from the African social ideals. She speaks in vernacular. Do take a listen.
To further corroborate the claims as expressed above, Miss PRINCESS UKOABASI, one of the daughters in the family had this to say.
From the foregoing, the UKOABASI’sfamily is in fear. They seem to have lost all their fundamental human rights to a set of persons who are supposed to be their kinsmen, watching their back and looking out for them in communal love.
Another member of the family, a farmer and one of the victims who escaped death by the whiskers, ETIDO THOMAS is worried of their safety and that of his farm produce as he narrates the attacks by the impersonators.
The situation in Edem Ibiok, Ibesikpo has prompted an outcry, especially with the fact that even the village head, Eteidung UWEM OKON EDET is appearing unsure of the source of the problem and what action could restore order in his community. He also speaks in vernacular.
At the time of filing this report, Mr. THOMAS UKOABASI, the man whose finger was chopped out was indisposed to speak to the press.
The mill of justice they say grinds slowly, but it is instructive to note that delayed justice is justice denied.
Eteidung UWEM OKON EDET’s claimed efforts to salvage the problem are perceived as unsatisfactory to the victims. This may be due to the lack of corresponding outcomes.
Therefore, the people’s cry at this point is getting louder as they seek government’s adequate intervention.
The use of masquerade practice as instrument of dehumanization, humiliation, marginalization, fermenting hatred, envy and jealousy against fellow members of the community is unacceptable in the African sensibility.
Akwa Ibom State has the reputation of being one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. While peace and security remain cardinal in the Governor UMO ENO’S ARISE Agenda, perpetrators of violence must be apprehended and made to face the law, in a bid to deter others from finding the enterprise lucrative.
Written by Wisdom Udoh
