The Enugu State Government has condemned the violent activities of Oriokpa masquerade in Nsukka Local Government Area, which resulted in two fatalities and widespread chaos.
Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, has summoned traditional rulers and presidents-general of affected communities.
According to the statement, Governor Peter Mbah has directed the State Police commissioner to carry out a full-scale investigation into the masquerade groups’ activities and bring the perpetrators to book.
“The Enugu State Government will not tolerate further excesses from any group or individual,” Ogbodo emphasised, reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizens’ safety and security.
Affected communities include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo. These areas have witnessed pandemonium, bodily harm, and fatalities due to the masqueraders’ actions the commissioner noted.
“Consequently, and following the express directive of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions of the affected communities are hereby invited to meet with the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, at the State Secretariat on Friday, September 27, 2024. Venue is the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, 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, including the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups with a view to bringing whoever is culpable to book.”
While commiserating with families of those said to have lost their lives in circumstances connected with the activities of the masquerades, the government has also warned that it would not condone any further excesses by any persons or groups.
“Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government frowns at the excesses by whatever 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,” it read.
