While masquerades are widely applauded for their role in promoting our culture, it's essential that their leaders guide them to ensure they don't deviate from their intended entertainment purpose.
Unfortunately, there have been numerous incidents recently involving masquerades that have physically harmed innocent people. One notorious example is the Iga masquerade that operates around Aguleri Junction and Erico Guest House area. Residents and business owners in this area are well aware of this masquerade's troublesome behavior.
This masquerade has been known to harass road users, mostly non-indigenes, in broad daylight. Even more alarming, it moves around with hidden axes and daggers, using them to threaten and extort money from its victims, including non-indigenous Okada operators. Furthermore, this masquerade shows no respect for school children, often disrupting their daily activities.
We urgently call on the leadership of Aguleri to take immediate action and regulate the activities of these masquerades.