iDeemlawfulA wave of outrage has erupted on social media following the circulation of a viral video showing Eyo masquerades attacking a man during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival celebrations in Lagos.
The footage, which began trending on Saturday, shows about four men clad in the traditional white Eyo attire with red hats repeatedly beating a man with their staves.
As the victim struggled to protect himself, several other masked men were seen running toward the scene to join the assault, while onlookers watched without intervening.
Another video reviewed by our correspondent on Saturday captured a separate clash in which residents were seen hurling chairs and other objects at a group of Eyo masquerades during a street procession.
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The confrontation reportedly occurred when some of the masquerades advanced toward a gate where residents had gathered.
Although the exact cause of the incidents has not been officially confirmed, the videos have triggered widespread condemnation online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
Many Nigerians criticised the display of violence during what is traditionally regarded as a sacred cultural event.
An X user, Oziegbe Odion, known as #DaSTReet5, expressed disappointment at what he described as a shift from tradition, writing, “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), questioned the justification for the assault, stating, “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 commenters speculated that the victim may have violated traditional rules, such as wearing shoes or headgear near the masquerades.
Gbenga Emmanuel suggested, “He must have approached them wearing shoes,” while #clemss148 cautioned residents, saying, “In close proximity to Eyo, get your shoes off your feet, in and around Lagos Island today, to avoid clubbing!”
However, others maintained that even if a cultural rule was breached, the response was excessive.
Teeewyy remarked, “He probably did what he wasn’t meant to do… but the beating is extreme.”
Similarly, #TheMandillas criticised what he described as the involvement of miscreants, saying, “This is one thing I hate about this celebration, miscreants will use this opportunity to maltreat innocent passersby.”
The 2025 Eyo Festival, the first since 2017, earlier attracted notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
While festivities at Tafawa Balewa Square proceeded peacefully, the viral videos have raised fresh concerns about crowd control and the conduct of masquerades during street processions.
As of the time of this report, authorities and festival organisers have not issued any official statement addressing the incidents shown in the videos.
Watch the videos below: