The 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos was on Saturday overshadowed by violence following incidents involving masquerades and residents, sparking widespread outrage across social media.
Videos that went viral showed some Eyo masquerades allegedly assaulting a man during a street procession.
In one of the clips, about four men dressed in the traditional white Eyo attire, complete with red hats, were seen repeatedly striking the victim with their staves as he struggled to protect himself.
Other masked men were also observed moving towards the scene, apparently to join the attack, while onlookers watched without intervening.
In another video sighted online, a separate confrontation was captured as residents hurled chairs and other objects at a group of Eyo masquerades during a procession.
The clash reportedly occurred when the masquerades approached a gate where some residents had gathered, leading to chaos in the area.
Although the immediate cause of the violence has not been officially established, the footage has drawn sharp condemnation from Nigerians, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with many lamenting the growing spate of disorder during what is traditionally regarded as a sacred cultural celebration.
Reacting to the videos, an X user, Oziegbe Odion, wrote, “I no understand this generation of Eyo at all. The Eyo wey I sabi no dey mob person like this. Dem go just dey parade with respect and vibes. Wetin dey happen now?”
Another user, Oladele, described the attack as unjustifiable, saying, “This is absolutely wrong. Why attack an innocent person with a staff when you know it can cause serious injury?”
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.
However, others argued that even if a taboo had been breached, the response was excessive.
“He probably did what he wasn’t meant to do, but the beating is extreme,” one commenter noted.
Others blamed the violence on hoodlums allegedly hijacking the cultural event. “Miscreants will always use this celebration as an excuse to maltreat innocent passersby,” another user wrote.
The incidents occurred on the same day the Eyo Festival, the first since 2017, attracted high-profile dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly at the Tafawa Balewa Square, where activities were held amid tight security.
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