One dead, several injured as violence erupts at masquerade festival in Ibadan

Ege Masquerade

The death of one person has been confirmed on Monday by the Oyo State Police Command, following the violence that ensued at the public outing of the Ege masquerade in Ibadan on Sunday.
ASP Adekunle Ajisebutu, the police spokesperson, said on Monday in Ibadan  that two suspects were also arrested in connection with the incident.

Violence had marred The Egungun festival was disrupted on Sunday as it turned violent with many residents assaulted while properties were destroyed.

The festival, a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan land, has as its key attraction the masquerade display.

The ASP, however, said that the command had beefed up security in the area where the Egungun festival was taking place.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, had warned all masquerades and their followers to refrain from violence.

 Ajisebutu stressed that the police said,  show no hesitation to deal with any individual or group attempting to cause a breach of the peace.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has expressed displeasure with Sunday’s violence.

The monarch said that  stakeholders held several meetings on the need to keep the peace before the festival commenced.

Oba Adetunji, commiserated with victims of the violence and their families, vowing that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.