The police command in Enugu State has detained three masquerades in Nsukka area of the state for allegedly assaulting law-abiding citizens.
The command Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe said, in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday, that police operatives with the assistance of members of the community led to the arrest of the suspects on June 23, at 3:30 p.m.
He said that the arrest of the suspects was in connection with the alleged physical assault of citizens by the ‘Oriokpa’ Masquerade group on June 22 as seen in a viral video.
“The suspects, along with others still at large, took advantage of the ‘Oriokpa’ Masquerade celebration to assault several innocent members of the public, inflicting bodily injuries on them.
“One of the victims was hospitalised for treatment due to injuries sustained during the attack.
“The masqueraders initially resisted police arrest and fled the scene.
“However, with the assistance of law-abiding community members, the three suspects were later identified and apprehended,” he said.
The spokesman said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure that justice was served.
Ndukwe quoted the commissioner as saying that masquerade celebration was a sacred and symbolic aspect of the nation’s culture.
He said that the state police chief , however, decried the actions of those who exploited the occasion to commit criminal acts.
Ndukwe said that the commissioner warned against the use of cultural festivities as a cover for fomenting trouble and committing crimes against fellow citizens, as perpetrated by the ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders.
“The command is assuring the public that all those involved in the assault of law-abiding citizens will be brought to justice,” he added.
Enugu Govt. condemns renewed masquerades’ attack on Nsukka residents
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has expressed displeasure over the excesses of the Oriokpa masquerades, especially their renewed attacks on Nsukka residents.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, made the government’s stance on the development known in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday.
Madueke described the act as a violent conduct, which constituted public nuisance.
“The State Government will take decisive action to bring the menace to an end.
“Flogging, harassment, brutality and extortion of residents by masqueraders are unacceptable and negate the people’s true culture.
“Masquerades are revered in our culture and, therefore, expected to be conducted with dignity, safety and protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement added.
The commissioner further stated that the masquerades’ conduct violated the conditions upon which their earlier ban was lifted.
“The continuous abuse of this sacred tradition by some individuals is deeply disturbing and regrettable.
“They have regrettably turned cultural displays into opportunities for violence, intimidation and extortion.
“This contravenes previous engagements the government had with stakeholders and custodians of Nsukka tradition on the issue,” the statement added.
Madueke reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for cultural practices, which
endanger public safety or violates the law.
“The government is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved in the incident were identified and brought to justice.
“A comprehensive review of the Oriokpa masquerade’s activities will commence immediately with a fresh ban in consideration.
“Community leaders and custodians of culture should ensure that all cultural practices are peaceful and safe for the citizens,” she further stated.