Enugu Govt Summons Nsukka Traditional Rulers, Orders Investigation Into Violent Conduct Of Oriokpa Masquerade

 By Sahara Reporters 

The Enugu State government has summoned traditional rulers and Presidents-General of communities where Oriokpa masquerades had wreaked havoc in the Nsukka local government area of the state.

SaharaReporters reported on September 25 that the university town of Nsukka in Enugu State became chaotic when two individuals reportedly fell victim to separate violent encounters with the notorious Oriokpa masquerades.

The incidents have reignited concerns over the unchecked aggression associated with the cultural performers.

However, in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Okey Ogbodo, the state government directed a full-scale investigation into the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups in the area.

The government vowed to bring the perpetrators of the recent incidents to justice.

“The Enugu State Government has received reports on the untoward activities of Oriokpa masqueraders in some parts of Nsukka LGA of the state, which has reportedly caused pandemonium, bodily harms, and fatalities in the area," the statement noted.

“The affected communities are Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.

“Therefore, the governor has 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 the families of those who reportedly lost their lives in circumstances connected with the activities of the masquerades, the government warned that it would not condone any further excesses by any persons or groups.

“Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government frowns on 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.

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