Masquerade Violence in Enugu: Two Lives Lost, Government Calls for Action

A recent masquerade attack in Enugu has resulted in the loss of two lives, prompting the state government to summon traditional rulers for discussions on community safety

The Enugu State Government has called for the presence of traditional chiefs and community leaders in Nsukka in response to sad events involving “Oriokpa” masqueraders, which claimed two lives.

In addition, the state has promised to hold those involved for the violence accountable by requiring a comprehensive inquiry into the operations of the Oriokpa masquerade groups.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the state commissioner for chieftaincy affairs, local government, and rural development in Enugu, made this declaration.

According to OBASANJONEWS, there was a worrying history of misconduct connected to the Oriokpa masquerades, who were previously implicated in an attack on a female nurse in April that was publicly denounced, prior to the recent violence.

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On September 19, hundreds of women from the Nsukka Council Area’s Eha-Alumona took to the streets in protest of the harassment and attacks that masqueraders continue to perpetrate in their neighborhood.

According to Ogbodo, the Enugu State Government had received complaints about the Oriokpa masqueraders’ disruptive behavior in several areas of the Nsukka Council Area, which had allegedly resulted in mayhem, casualties, and fatalities.

“In view of these concerns, and per Governor Peter Mbah’s instruction, I extend an invitation to the town union presidents-general and traditional chiefs of the impacted towns to confer with me on Friday.

“The meeting is scheduled to start at precisely 1 PM in my office. Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo are the communities affected, according to Ogbodo.

He further underlined that in order to hold those accountable for the incidents accountable, the governor has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate, thorough inquiry into all instances, including the reported deaths connected to the masquerade activities.

As the commissioner offered his sympathies to the victims’ families, he made it clear that the government will not stand for any more wrongdoing by individuals or organizations.

“Our people shouldn’t have to endure a life of terror. Every Enugu State citizen, including women, children, and youth, has rights and needs to feel secure at all times.

“The government will impose the appropriate sanctions on any further misconduct by the Oriokpa masqueraders or any other group,” Ogbodo stated.