Public anger has grown following the circulation of viral videos showing Eyo masquerades allegedly assaulting a man during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.

One of the clips, which began trending on Saturday, shows about four men dressed in the traditional white Eyo attire with red hats repeatedly striking a man with their staves. The victim is seen attempting to shield himself as additional masked figures run toward the scene, apparently to join the attack. Nearby onlookers watched but did not intervene.

Meanwhile, another video recorded during a separate procession captured a confrontation between residents and Eyo masquerades. In that clip, individuals are seen throwing chairs and other objects at the masquerades after they reportedly moved toward a gated area where people had gathered.

Social media condemnation grows

Although the exact circumstances that led to the clashes have not been officially clarified, the footage has triggered widespread condemnation online. According to reactions monitored on X, formerly Twitter, many Nigerians expressed concern about the use of force during a festival widely regarded as a sacred and symbolic cultural event.

One user, Oziegbe Odion, known on X as @DaSTReet5, questioned the conduct of the masquerades, writing, “I no understand this generation of Eyo at all. The Eyo wey I sabi before no dey mob person like this.”

Another user, Oladele, identified as @dele003, described the incident as unacceptable. “This is absolutely wrong. Why attack an innocent person with a staff when you know it will injure the person?” he wrote.

Some commenters suggested that the victim may have breached traditional rules, such as wearing shoes or headgear in the presence of the masquerades. However, others rejected that explanation, insisting that no cultural violation justified such violence. Several users blamed hoodlums for hijacking the festival and tarnishing its image.

Festival returns after eight years

The 2025 Eyo Festival marks the first full celebration since 2017 and attracted high profile dignitaries earlier in the day. President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were among those in attendance, particularly at Tafawa Balewa Square, where major ceremonies took place.

Cultural commentators say the Eyo Festival is meant to symbolize peace, transition, and reverence, not aggression. Some experts have warned that repeated reports of violence could undermine public confidence in traditional festivals if stronger safeguards are not put in place.

Calls for accountability

Despite the colourful displays and large turnout, the viral footage has raised serious questions about crowd control, enforcement of festival rules, and the behavior of some participants during street processions.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had not released an official statement addressing the incidents shown in the videos.

Alternative headline options: