Safety and Security Issues at Traditional Festivals in Eastern Nigeria: An Ethnographic Incursion.

Safety and security of attendees and the host community’s lives and properties have been identified as imperative for attending traditional festivals in some parts of Nigeria. This motivated this study to examine safety and security issues at traditional festivals in the old Eastern region of Nigeria, including Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Cross River states. The study adopted a qualitative research design and used ethnography in data collection. The study had a huge study population that was estimated at two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000). Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to determine a sample size of fifty (50) for the study. Data collected were analysed using SWOT and descriptive analysis. In the findings, the identified safety and security issues were categorised as potential and available safety and security threats. Also identified measures were classified into major and minor. This includes the use of community vigilante groups, appointment of festival custodians, restricted membership to masquerade cults, etc. The study further recommended that a collaborative effort between local authorities, security operatives, government agencies, festival organisers, and community leaders is essential. Also, implementing safety regulations, improving crowd management, and increasing public awareness are crucial steps in ensuring that traditional festivals in Nigeria remain safe and enjoyable cultural expressions.