Outrage has erupted across social media platforms following the circulation of a viral video showing Eyo masquerades assaulting a man during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
The video, which surfaced on Saturday, shows about four men clad in the traditional white Eyo regalia with red hats repeatedly striking a man with their staves.
As the victim struggled to shield himself from the blows, other masked men were seen rushing toward the scene, apparently to join the assault, while onlookers watched without intervention.
In another video sighted by SaharaReporters on Saturday, a separate confrontation was captured as residents were seen throwing chairs and other objects at a group of Eyo masquerades during a procession.
The clash reportedly occurred when some of the masquerades approached a gate where residents had gathered.
Although the immediate cause of the incidents has not been officially confirmed, the videos have triggered widespread condemnation online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with many Nigerians criticising the use of violence during what is traditionally regarded as a sacred cultural celebration.
Reacting to the footage, X user Oziegbe Odion, who tweets as #DaSTReet5, wrote, “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), said, “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 social media users speculated that the victim may have violated traditional rules, such as wearing shoes or headgear in the presence of the masquerades. Gbenga Emmanuel suggested, “He must have approached them wearing shoes,” while #clemss148 warned residents, “In close proximity to Eyo, get your shoes off your feet, in and around Lagos Island today, to avoid clubbing!”
However, others argued that even if a taboo had been breached, the response was excessive. #Teeewyy noted, “He probably did what he wasn’t meant to do… but the beating is extreme.”
Similarly, #TheMandillas blamed 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 to be held since 2017, attracted high-profile dignitaries earlier in the day, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the viral videos have raised serious concerns about crowd control and the conduct of some masquerades during street processions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State government has yet to issue any official statement on the incidents captured in the videos.
