Public outrage has spread across social media after a viral video showed Eyo masquerades attacking a man during the ongoing 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
The footage, which emerged on Saturday, captures about four men dressed in the traditional white Eyo attire with red caps repeatedly striking a man with their staves. As the victim tried to shield himself, more masked figures rushed toward the scene, seemingly to join the attack, while bystanders looked on without intervening.
In a separate video also seen on Saturday, residents were recorded throwing chairs and other objects at a group of Eyo masquerades during a procession. The confrontation reportedly broke out when some of the masquerades approached a gated area where residents had gathered.
WATCH: Eyo Festival Turns Violent In Lagos As Residents Clash With Masquerades pic.twitter.com/w8cX8xvzup
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 27, 2025
Authorities have not confirmed the immediate cause of either incident. However, the videos sparked widespread condemnation online, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where many Nigerians criticised the use of violence during an event regarded as a sacred cultural tradition.
Reacting to the footage, X user Oziegbe Odion, known as #DaSTReet5, said the behaviour did not reflect past Eyo festivals. “The Eyo I know used to parade peacefully with respect and good vibes. What is happening now?” he wrote.
Another user, Oladele (#dele003), described the attack as unacceptable. “Why beat an innocent person with a staff when you know it can cause serious injury?” he asked.
Some users suggested the victim may have violated traditional rules, such as wearing shoes or headgear near the masquerades. Gbenga Emmanuel speculated that the man approached the Eyo while wearing shoes, while #clemss148 warned residents to remove footwear when close to Eyo processions on Lagos Island.
WATCH: Hoodlums Brandish Guns During Eyo Festival In Lagos, Unleash Mayhem pic.twitter.com/lQdOOSAPm6
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 27, 2025
Others rejected this justification, arguing that the response was excessive regardless of any alleged breach. “He may have done something wrong, but the beating was extreme,” #Teeewyy noted.
Similarly, #TheMandillas blamed what he described as the involvement of miscreants. “Some people use this celebration as an excuse to harass innocent passersby,” he said.
The 2025 Eyo Festival, the first since 2017, earlier drew prominent dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
Despite the festive mood, 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 not issued an official response to the incidents.
