"No fewer than 10 people were last Saturday night arrested by police for organising a popular local masquerade event called Zimba, which allegedly caused the death of an eight-year-old boy, Ebrima Morro Ndure."

The four organisers, the two Zimbas together with the four drummers are currently taken into custody, helping the police with their investigations

Sources said the organisers sought a permit from the police to stage the event, but despite being denied, they allegedly went ahead to stage it. A stampede, that characterises the event because of the fear that people have of the masquerades, ensued, leading to the death of the small boy.

Zimba is usually organised in the open with masked dancers providing amusement, but you spectators have to pay a certain amount to obtain a ticket or else the masked dancers would chase them to make them pay.

Consequently, the police issued a press release yesterday, temporarily banning the event. Below is the full text of the press release:

The office of the Inspector General of Police hereby informs the general public that social activities such as Zimba and Fural are temporarily banned until further notice.

This is as a result of a growing security concern these activities have on the lives, safety, and security of the general public.

The police have never issued any clearance and henceforth will never issue any permit for the organisation of these activities.

Anyone found organising, co-ordinating or conducting any of these events will be severely dealt with according to law.

The Inspector General of Police solicits the co-operation and understanding of the general public.