A disturbing incident has sparked widespread outrage online after videos surfaced showing Eyo masquerades physically attacking a man during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
The viral clips, which have circulated across social media platforms, show individuals dressed as Eyo masquerades confronting and assaulting a man in public, drawing condemnation from Nigerians who described the act as violent and unacceptable. Many netizens have questioned the level of control and accountability at the culturally significant festival, which traditionally symbolizes peace, transition, and order.
In reaction, several social media users have called out the Lagos State Government, linking the incident to the earlier controversy surrounding the 2023 crime thriller Gangs of Lagos, produced by Jade Osiberu. The film faced heavy criticism and legal pushback from traditional institutions and the state government, which accused it of misrepresenting Eyo masquerades and Lagos culture by portraying them as violent gang figures.
However, critics now argue that the real-life footage mirrors scenes from the movie that authorities sought to suppress. According to many online commentators, the masquerade costumes can sometimes be used as cover for criminal or violent behavior, a narrative they say Gangs of Lagos attempted to highlight rather than malign tradition.
“People said the film was exaggerating, but what we’re seeing today is exactly what was shown,” one user wrote, while another added, “You banned and sabotaged a movie for showing the truth, but reality is now confirming it.”
As of the time of filing this report, Lagos State authorities have not released an official statement addressing the incident or confirming whether arrests have been made. The development has reignited debate over cultural preservation, public safety, and whether certain traditions are being shielded from accountability under the guise of heritage.
The incident has also renewed calls for stricter regulation of festival activities to prevent abuse and ensure that cultural celebrations do not become avenues for violence or lawlessness.
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