The government of Enugu State has condemned the death of two residents of the state following an attack by ‘Oriokpa’ masquerades in Nsukka.
The Enugu State Government has summoned traditional rulers and the president-generals of the communities in Nsukka where ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders’ attacks resulted in two deaths.
In a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, a probe has been launched into the activities of masquerades and its likes in the state.
Also vowing to bring the perpetrators to book, Ogbodo said the state governor, Peter Mbah, and stakeholders in Enugu including traditional leaders are to meet on Friday in his office to discuss ways to curb the excesses of the masquerades.
He said some of the affected communities include Edem-Ezema, Nguru, Nru, Iheagu, Ihe, Isiakpu, Owere, Umuoyo and Echara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports violence, which occurred earlier this week, follows a history of alleged misconduct by the Oriokpa masquerades, who were also involved in a widely condemned attack on a female nurse in April.
The reaction by the state government follows protests by some women from Eha-Alumona, a community in Nsukka LGA.
The women, in their hundreds, had protested the incessant attacks and embarrassments caused by these masquerades in their communities.
Mr Ogbodo said the Enugu State Government received reports on the “untoward activities” of Oriokpa masqueraders in some parts of Nsukka Council Area, which had reportedly caused pandemonium, bodily harm, and deaths in the area.
“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 venue is my office and the time is 1 p.m. 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 includes the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups with a view to bringing whoever is culpable to book,” Mr Ogbodo said.
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 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,” Mr Ogbodo added.
