The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dame Anengi Claude-WIlcox has expressed displeasure over recent unmasking of a masquerade and assault on the child bearing it, describing it as “provocative”.

She equally frowned at the upsurge of child masquerades in the area and the spate of extortion of commuters, warning parents and guardians to advise their children against such unwholesome activities.

A statement signed by her Press Secretary, Boma Waribor and made available to the Media on Monday, December 4, 2023 in Bonny, Rivers State, observed with concern the traffic gridlock being caused by the child masquerades.

“Importantly, the Bonny Local Government rejects and outrightly condemns the unmasking of any masquerade by any individual as such inciting act has the potential of causing breakdown of law and order in Bonny.”

“It is the strong desire of the Local Government Authority to ensure that this yuletide season like all others in the past two years of our administration comes to pass peacefully and enjoyably, hence the cooperation of residents is highly requested.”

The Bonny LGA Chairman noted that “It is understandable that this season comes with many varieties of masquerade displays by both children and adults, which is part of the unique selling point of our cultural heritage as Bonny people, as well as tourism package for fun seekers and visitors alike.

“However, all of these must be done with the highest level of decorum and respect both by the masquerades themselves and residents towards sustaining the prevailing law and order in and around the Island.

“It should be emphasized that children are allowed to play Masquerade but such must only be done at designated open spaces or fields.”

She stated that her attention “has been drawn to the increasing spate of masquerading children on the major roads of Bonny who indulge in extortion and constitute traffic gridlock together with the provocative act of unmasking a masquerade during its display over the weekend”.

She advised that “parents, guardians and family members should advise their children, wards and relatives against taking advantage of the season to extort money from commuters and pedestrians, as those caught by the law enforcement agents will be subjected to unpardonable disciplinary measures”.