- The Enugu State Government said it has begun a full-scale investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased persons.
At least two persons have lost their lives during an intense and extreme activities of Oriokpa masqueraders in Enugu State.
The incident happened at the University Town of Nsukka in the Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
The Enugu State Government said it has begun a full-scale investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased persons.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Okey Ogbodo, in a statement on Friday said the perpetrators will be punished.
Ogbodo, who disclosed that the state government had summoned traditional rulers and the Presidents-General of the affected communities to address the issue, underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety.
According to the statement, affected communities include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
Ogbodo said these areas have witnessed chaos, bodily harm, and fatalities due to the masqueraders’ actions.
He disclosed that Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
The government has also warned that it will not condone further excesses from any group or individual, emphasizing its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and security.
The statement partly read, “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 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