MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)
هيئة حقوق المسلمين
Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence
18th December, 2025
PRESS RELEASE:
FROM YORUBALAND TO EBIRALAND: MASQUERADES ARE BECOMING A
NUISANCE — MURIC
— Urges authorities to curb the excesses of the traditionalists
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 harrassed, 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 tradionalists 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 rephensible, 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."
Hassan Sani Indabawa,
Chairman,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
Kano State Chapter.
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