The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of using Ekpo masquerade activities to extort money from residents and assault members of the public in Ikot Ekpene.

The suspects, identified as Ine Isong, 29, of Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, of Ikono Local Government Area, were arrested on October 26 along the Ukana/Abak Highway at about 6pm.

The police said the suspects were allegedly found with masquerade costumes, machetes, spears and arrows during an operational show of force.

According to the command, preliminary reports indicated that the suspects and other persons allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents, demanding money from unsuspecting passers-by and assaulting people, particularly women.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other persons who might have been involved.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, warned against using cultural practices as a cover for criminal activities.

The command said it respected lawful cultural traditions but would not tolerate the use of masquerade activities to intimidate, extort or assault members of the public.

It urged residents to report suspicious activities and criminal conduct to the police as efforts to maintain law and order across the state continued.

The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.