Three Enugu masqueraders arrested for assaulting residents

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three masqueraders belonging to the Oriokpa Masquerade Group for allegedly assaulting some persons in Nsukka,.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said 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.

“One of the victims was hospitalised for treatment due to injuries sustained during the attack. The masquerades 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,” the PPRO said.

Ndukwe mentioned that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure that justice is served.

He emphasised that masquerade celebrations are a sacred and symbolic aspect of culture but decried the actions of those who exploited the occasion to commit criminal acts.

The police image maker added that CP Giwa had 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.

He assured the public that all the masqueraders involved will be brought to justice.