Urges authorities to curb the excesses of the traditionalists

By Hassan Sani Indabawa,

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has once again condemned the recurrent violence  occasioned by the activities of Masquerades. The call became necessary as an Obangede masquerade, in Kogi Central, was reported to have physically harassed, assaulted and humiliated a Muslim sister for wearing a Niqab (full Islamic body cover for women).

The condemnation was contained in a statement released on Thursday, 18th December, 2025, by the Kano State Chapter Chairman of the rights advocacy group, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa.

The statement further added:

“Our Kano State office recently received a complaint of an assault, physical harassment and humiliation of a Muslim sister by a Masquerade while conducting her lawful activities, for wearing a Niqab. This incident occurred on the afternoon of November 25th, 2025, at Obangede, Kogi Central, Kogi State. We view this as an extension of notorious rights abuses by the traditionalists.

“MURIC, it would be recalled, has been consistent in its public condemnation of masquerades who assault Muslims, invade mosques, and violate religious rights in Southwest Nigeria and now it has happened in Kogi State in Northcentral.

“The traditionalists are known to be highly intolerant, combative and violent while hiding behind a cultural tradition. Recent reports, for instance, have highlighted specific clashes that have drawn strong condemnation from MURIC and other well meaning Nigerians.

“Tragic incidents involving masquerades in the Ebiraland region of Kogi State are a recurring issue, often stemming from violent clashes between youth groups, community unrest, and disregard for local regulations.

“In January 2025, a violent clash occurred between youths from the Obangede and Okaito-Usungwe communities in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State during a Masquerade festival. The incident resulted in the death of a lady and several injuries.

“On November 25th, 2025, an innocent student, Bello Ize Halimat, was physically assaulted, verbally abused and spiritually traumatised by a Masquerade just for dressing as a Muslim.

“We at MURIC view this primitive act as utterly disgusting, morally reprehensible, socially inchoate and profoundly unjustifiable. The condemnable acts of the traditionalists are becoming more alarming and worrying.

“Masquerades are notoriously known for wilful disregard for the rule of law. Incidents have occurred where masquerades and their supporters flouted explicit directives and laws restricting their activities, leading to confrontations with security operatives and community leaders. In one case, a masquerade’s costume was publicly burned by community leaders in Eika Adagu-Okehi LGA to enforce a ‘no masquerade’ law. The incident occurred in late August, 2024.

“Due to the persistent issues of violence, extortion, and public disturbance, there are ongoing calls from residents, local leaders, and rights groups for stricter regulations or the complete prohibition of masquerading in Ebiraland, and other parts of Nigeria to restore peace and order.

“We therefore demand a thorough investigation from the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police on the recent incident involving Miss Bello Ize Halimat and to consequently prosecute the culprits and their custodians.

“We equally call on the Kogi State government to confine activities of the Masquerades to compel masquerades and their followers to ensure peaceful conduct and social decorum. to ensure.”