The Enugu State Government has summoned traditional rulers and President-Generals of the communities in Nsukka affected by recent attacks carried out by the ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders, which led to two deaths.
In addition, the state government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups, with a commitment to hold the perpetrators accountable.
This was disclosed in a statement by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
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Recall that the violence, which occurred earlier in the week, follows a history of misconduct by the Oriokpa masqueraders, who had previously attacked a female nurse in April—a widely condemned incident.
On September 19, hundreds of women from Eha-Alumona in Nsukka Council Area staged a protest, demanding an end to the continuous attacks and harassment by masqueraders in their community.
Ogbodo noted that the state government had been informed of the Oriokpa masqueraders’ violent actions in several parts of Nsukka Council Area, which have resulted in chaos, injuries, and loss of life.
“Consequently, and following the express directive of Gov. Peter Mbah, traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions of the affected communities are hereby invited to meet with with me on Friday,
“The venue is my office and time is 1pm 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 include the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups with a view to bringing whoever is culpable to book,” Ogbodo said.
He further added that the governor has instructed the Commissioner of Police to initiate a thorough investigation into the incidents, including the fatalities, with the aim of prosecuting those responsible.
While expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Ogbodo emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate any further misconduct from individuals or groups.
“Our people should never be made to leave 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,” Ogbodo added.