The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned what it described as a growing pattern of violence linked to masquerade activities in parts of Nigeria, following the alleged assault of a Muslim woman in Obangede, Kogi State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kano State Chairman of MURIC, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, said the organisation received a complaint that a masquerade physically harassed, assaulted and humiliated a Muslim woman for wearing a niqab while going about her lawful activities in Obangede, Kogi Central Senatorial District.
According to MURIC, the incident occurred on November 25, 2025, and represents what the group described as an extension of persistent human rights abuses by some traditionalists.
The organisation recalled that it has consistently condemned attacks by masquerades on Muslims, including incidents involving the invasion of mosques and violations of religious freedom in parts of Southwest Nigeria, warning that such actions have now spread to the North-Central region.
MURIC further alleged that masquerade-related violence has become recurrent in Ebiraland, often arising from youth clashes, community unrest and disregard for local regulations governing traditional activities.
The group cited a January 2025 incident in which a violent clash between youths from Obangede and Okaito-Usungwe communities in Okehi Local Government Area reportedly occurred during a masquerade festival, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to several others.
It also identified the victim of the November 25 assault as Miss Bello Ize Halimat, a student who was allegedly physically assaulted, verbally abused and traumatised by a masquerade solely for dressing in accordance with her Islamic faith.
Describing the incident as “primitive, morally reprehensible and unjustifiable,” MURIC warned that the conduct of masquerades and their handlers was becoming increasingly alarming.
The organisation also referenced previous cases where masquerades allegedly flouted laws and security directives, including an August 2024 incident in Eika Adagu, Okehi Local Government Area, where community leaders reportedly destroyed a masquerade costume to enforce a local ban on such activities.
MURIC said the persistent cases of violence, extortion and public disturbance linked to masquerade activities have prompted calls from residents, community leaders and rights groups for stricter regulation or outright prohibition in parts of Kogi State and beyond.
The group called on the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the Obangede incident and ensure that those responsible, including their handlers, are prosecuted.
It also urged the Kogi State Government to properly regulate and confine masquerade activities to ensure peaceful conduct, respect for the rule of law and protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
