The Enugu State Government has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the operations of Oriokpa Masquerade organisations, promising to hold culprits accountable.
Two people were said to have perished earlier this week as a result of Oriokpa masqueraders’ excessive antics at the University Town of Nsukka in the Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Okey Ogbodo, the state commissioner for local government, rural development, and chieftaincy affairs, acknowledged this in a statement released to journalists in Enugu on Friday, emphasising the government’s commitment to preserving public safety.
Following the development, he stated that the state administration has invited traditional rulers and the Presidents-General of the affected communities to discuss the matter.
According to the statement, the affected communities are Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
According to Ogbodo, the masqueraders‘ acts caused pandemonium, bodily harm, and fatalities in these regions.
He revealed that Governor Peter Mbah has asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate the incidents and hold those involved accountable.
The state government has also warned that it will not tolerate further excesses from any group or individual, emphasising 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 the relatives of those who were claimed to have died as a result of the masquerades’ activities, the government also cautioned that no additional excesses by individuals or organisations would be tolerated.
“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.
