Enugu Govt summons community leaders over deadly masquerade attacks

The Enugu State Government has summoned traditional rulers and president-generals of communities in Nsukka following deadly attacks by the Oriokpa masqueraders that resulted in two deaths.

The government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, announced plans to investigate the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups and vowed to prosecute those responsible for the violence.

This comes in the wake of increasing unrest, with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reporting that the masquerades were previously involved in a widely condemned attack on a female nurse in April.

Mr Ogbodo said the Enugu State Government received reports on the “untoward activities” of Oriokpa masqueraders in some parts of Nsukka Council Area, which had reportedly caused pandemonium, bodily harm, and deaths in the area.

“Consequently, and following the express directive of Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions of the affected communities are hereby invited to meet with me on Friday.

“The venue is my office and the time is 1 p.m. prompt. The affected communities are Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.

“Furthermore, the governor has equally directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately institute a full-scale investigation into the incidents.

“The investigation includes the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups with a view to bringing whoever is culpable to book,” Mr Ogbodo said.

While commiserating with families of those said to have lost their lives in circumstances connected with the activities of the masquerades, the commissioner said the government had also warned that it would not condone any further excesses by any persons or groups.

“Our people should never be made to live in fear, as the rights and security of our women, children, youth, and indeed every citizen and resident of Enugu State must be guaranteed at all times.

“Consequently, any such excesses by the Oriokpa masqueraders or any group for that matter will be met with the commensurate sanctions by the government,” Mr Ogbodo added.

(NAN)