Enugu State Government Calls For Meeting With Monarchs After Masquerade Assaults

Enugu State Government Calls For Meeting With Monarchs After Masquerade Assaults

The Enugu State Government has summoned traditional rulers and community President-Generals from Nsukka, where attacks by ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders led to two fatalities. The state has also launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of these masquerade groups, promising to hold those responsible accountable……..CONTINUE READING 

This announcement came from Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, in a statement from Enugu. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the violence, which occurred earlier this week, follows a troubling pattern of misconduct by the Oriokpa masquerades, who were previously involved in a widely condemned assault on a female nurse in April.

On September 19, hundreds of women from Eha-Alumona in Nsukka took to the streets to protest against ongoing attacks and harassment by masqueraders in their community. Ogbodo confirmed that the government had received numerous reports detailing the disruptive activities of the Oriokpa masqueraders in several parts of Nsukka, which have resulted in chaos, bodily harm, and fatalities.

“Following the directive of Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers and Presidents-General from the affected communities are invited to meet with me this Friday,” Ogbodo stated. “The meeting will take place in my office at 1 PM. The communities involved include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.”

The governor has also instructed the Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents, including the reported fatalities, to ensure that those responsible face justice.

Ogbodo expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that the government would not tolerate any further excesses from any individuals or groups. “Our people should not live in fear, as the rights and security of our women, children, youth, and every citizen and resident of Enugu State must be protected at all times. Any further misconduct by the Oriokpa masqueraders or any group will be met with appropriate sanctions from the government,” he added.