The Enugu State Government has taken decisive action following recent violent incidents involving the ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Traditional rulers and community leaders from the Nsukka area have been summoned for an urgent meeting to address these alarming events.
State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, announced that an investigation into the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups will be initiated, with a promise to prosecute those found responsible. This move comes in response to a surge of reported violence and misconduct associated with these masqueraders, including a notable attack on a female nurse earlier this year.
The situation escalated earlier this week when hundreds of women from the Eha-Alumona community staged a protest against the persistent harassment and violence perpetrated by masquerade groups in the area.
Ogbodo noted that the government has received multiple reports detailing the “untoward activities” of the Oriokpa masqueraders, which have caused chaos, injuries, and fatalities in several communities, including Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo. Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, particularly focusing on the reported deaths linked to these masquerade groups.
The affected traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions are invited to meet with me on Friday at my office at 1 p.m.,” Ogbodo stated. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Enugu State.
“Our people should never be made to live in fear. The rights and security of our women, children, youth, and every citizen must be guaranteed at all times,” he emphasized. Any future excesses by the Oriokpa masqueraders or other groups will face appropriate sanctions, he warned.
