Notorious Oriokpa masqueraders attacked two people at the University Town of Nsukka in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulting in their deaths.
On Tuesday, September 20,24, a woman was chased by one of the Oriokpa masquerades and met her tragic end along Aku Road, Obechara area, Nsukka.
She crashed into a moving vehicle while trying to flee, killing herself instantaneously and sending shockwaves through the crowd.
Another incident at Nru Junction claimed the life of a young man who was subsequently identified as a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) student.
Sources indicate that he might have been attempting to flee the masquerades when he was engulfed in the confusion that followed, even if the circumstances of his death are still unknown.
In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Friday, Chief Okey Ogbodo, the state commissioner for local government, rural development, and chieftaincy affairs, confirmed this. He said the State Government has initiated a thorough investigation into the operations of Oriokpa Masquerade groups and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
The impacted communities, according to the statement, include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
According to Ogbodo, the masqueraders’ acts have caused chaos, injuries, and fatalities in these locations.
He revealed that the Commissioner of Police has been instructed by Governor Peter Mbah to look into the incidences and penalise those accountable.
Additionally, the government has emphasised its commitment to curbing future abuses by any organisation or individual by issuing a warning that it would not accept them.
“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.
