Two persons have d!ed following attacks by notorious Oriokpa masqueraders at the University Town of Nsukka in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
A woman met her untimely death at Aku Road, Obechara area, Nsukka, after being chased by one of the Oriokpa masquerades on Tuesday, September 2024.
In an attempt to escape, she ran into a moving truck and was killed instantly, causing widespread panic and horror among onlookers.
In another incident at Nru Junction, a young male, later identified as a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), also lost his life.
Although details surrounding his death remain unclear, sources suggest that he may have been trying to evade the masquerades when he was caught in the chaos that ensued.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Okey Ogbodo, who confirmed this in a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Friday, said the State Government has launched a full-scale investigation into the activities of Oriokpa Masquerade groups, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable.
According to the statement, affected communities include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
Ogbodo said these areas have witnessed pandemonium, bodily harm, and fatalities due to the masqueraders’ actions.
He disclosed that Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice
The government has also warned that it will not tolerate further excesses from any group or individual, emphasizing its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and security.
“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 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 1 pm prompt,” the statement read.
“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 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,” the statement concluded.
