VIDEO: Festival Turns Violent as Eyo Masquerades Clash With Residents
Outrage has erupted across social media following the circulation of viral videos showing violent confrontations involving Eyo masquerades during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
One of the videos, which surfaced on Saturday, shows about four men dressed in the traditional white Eyo regalia with red hats repeatedly striking a man with their ceremonial staves. As the victim struggled to protect himself, other masked figures were seen rushing toward the scene, seemingly to join the assault, while bystanders looked on without intervening.
In a separate clip also circulating online, residents were seen throwing chairs and other objects at a group of Eyo masquerades during a procession. The confrontation reportedly occurred when some masquerades approached a gated area where residents had gathered, escalating tensions between both sides.
Although the immediate cause of the incidents has not been officially confirmed, the videos have sparked widespread condemnation, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Many Nigerians criticised the use of violence during what is traditionally regarded as a sacred and peaceful cultural celebration.
https://x.com/i/status/2005004323777118671 VIDEO: Eyo Masque√ades, Residents in serious f!ght As Festival Turns Vio|ent
Reacting to the footage, X user Oziegbe Odion, tweeting as #DaSTReet5, wrote:
“I no understand this generation of Eyo at all. The Eyo wey I sabi from before no dey mob person like this. Dem go just dey parade for street with full respect and vibes, no wahala. Wetin dey happen now?”
Another user, Oladele (#dele003), described the incident as unacceptable, saying, “This is absolutely wrong. Why attack an innocent person with a staff in your hand when you know very well that it will injure the person you’re beating?”
Some social media users speculated that the victim may have violated traditional customs, such as wearing shoes or headgear in the presence of the masquerades. Gbenga Emmanuel suggested that the man “must have approached them wearing shoes,” while #clemss148 warned residents to remove their footwear when near Eyo masquerades to avoid being struck.
However, others argued that even if a taboo had been breached, the response was excessive. #Teeewyy noted, “He probably did what he wasn’t meant to do… but the beating is extreme.” Another user, #TheMandillas, blamed the violence on miscreants exploiting the festival, stating, “This is one thing I hate about this celebration, miscreants will use this opportunity to maltreat innocent passersby.”
The 2025 Eyo Festival, the first to be held since 2017, earlier attracted high-profile dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the viral videos have raised serious concerns about crowd control, public safety, and the conduct of some masquerades during street processions. As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the incidents.
https://x.com/i/status/2005005010791526677 VIDEO: Residents C|ash With M∆sque√ades, Eyo Festival Turns Vio|ent
