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Following the deadly attacks by ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders that resulted in two deaths, the Enugu State Government has summoned the traditional leaders and President-Generals of the Nsukka communities involved. The authorities are keen on finding solutions to the escalating violence and restoring peace in the area.
Alongside summoning local leaders, the state government has ordered a full investigation into the conduct of the Oriokpa masquerade groups, vowing to track down the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. Officials have emphasized that those responsible for the recent violence will not go unpunished.
The information was disclosed in a statement signed by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, from Enugu, outlining the government’s stance on the issue.
The Eastern Updates has learned that this week’s violence continues a pattern of alleged misbehavior by the Oriokpa masquerades. The group had also been involved in a highly condemned incident in April, when they attacked a female nurse, stirring public disapproval.
Reports from September 19 indicate that numerous women from Eha-Alumona, a community in the Nsukka Council Area of Enugu State, took to the streets to voice their opposition to the persistent attacks and harassment by masquerades that have plagued their neighborhood.
Ogbodo said the Enugu State Government had received reports on the untoward activities of Oriokpa masqueraders in some parts of the Nsukka Council Area which had reportedly caused pandemonium, bodily harm, and fatalities in the area.
Ogbodo said, “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 me on Friday.
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“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.”
While commiserating with families of those said to have lost their lives in circumstances connected with the activities of the masquerades, the commissioner said the government had also warned that it would not condone any further excesses by any persons 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 commensurate sanctions by the government,” Ogbodo added.
