The Enugu State Government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Oriokpa masquerade groups, promising to hold those responsible accountable.
Earlier this week, two individuals died following violent encounters involving the Oriokpa masqueraders in Nsukka, located within the Nsukka Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Okey Ogbodo, confirmed this in a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Friday, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety.
Following the development, he announced that the state government had summoned traditional rulers and the Presidents-General of the affected communities to address the issue.
According to the statement, affected communities include Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
Ogbodo said these areas have witnessed pandemonium, 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 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.