Enugu govt summons traditional rulers over masquerade attack

The Enugu State government has summoned traditional rulers and the President-Generals of the communities in the Nsukka local government area where attacks by masqueraders led to the death of two people.

The government equally directed a full-scale investigation into the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups in the area and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

Violence broke out in the area earlier in the week following an alleged misconduct by the Oriokpa masquerades who were also involved in an attack on a nurse in April.

Hundreds of women from Eha-Alumona, a community in Nsukka took to the streets on September 19 to protest the incessant attacks and harassment by masquerades in the community.

The state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, confirmed the invitation of the monarchs in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

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He said the government had received reports on the activities of the masqueraders in some parts of Nsukka which had reportedly caused pandemonium, bodily harm, and fatalities in the area.

Ogbodo said: “Consequently, and following the express directive of Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions of the affected communities are hereby invited to meet with me on Friday.

“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 institute a full-scale investigation into the incidents immediately.

“The investigation will include the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups to bring whoever is culpable to book.”

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