Anambra commissioner advises against violent, violent masquerade display

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

The commissioner made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka.

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

He said that government would no more tolerate any masquerade activities that inflict pains on residents.

According to him, 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.

Onyenji said Prof. 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.