…As police arrest 3 masquerades
Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has expressed deep concerns over many incidents of brutality and public nuisance by the Oriokpa masquerade in Nsukka town.
In this regard, the government has vowed to take decisive action to bring the menace to an end.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu and signed by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, the government said the flogging, harassment, brutalisation, and extortion of residents of Nsukka by the masqueraders were unacceptable and not in line with the true cultures and traditions of the people.
“While masquerades are a revered part of our cultural heritage and are expected to be conducted in a manner that respects the dignity, safety, and rights of all members of the public, the recent violent conduct of the Oriokpa masquerade is not only unacceptable, but also a direct violation of the conditions under which the ban earlier imposed on the masquerade was lifted.
“It is deeply disturbing and regrettable that some individuals continue to abuse this sacred tradition by turning cultural displays into opportunities for violence, intimidation, and extortion, despite previous engagements with stakeholders and custodians of tradition in the Nsukka cultural zone.
“The Ministry wishes to reiterate the government’s zero tolerance for any cultural practice that endangers public safety or violates the law.
“Accordingly, the government is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those involved in the incident are identified and brought to justice,” Madueke said.
The government further said that a comprehensive review of the Oriokpa masquerade activities would commence immediately, with a view to considering a fresh ban if necessary.
The statement also called on community leaders and custodians of culture to ensure that all cultural practices were not only peaceful, but also safeguard the safety and dignity of every citizen.
“We call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and cultural custodians in Nsukka and beyond to take greater responsibility in ensuring that masquerade practices are peaceful, respectful, and aligned with the values of modern civil society.
“Enugu State remains committed to the promotion of culture — but not at the expense of human life or dignity. Culture must unify, not divide. It must celebrate identity, not inflict harm,” the commissioner stated.
Ikengaonline had reported he recent harassment, extortion and intimidation of residents of Nsukka by the Oriokpa masquerades.
Meanwhile, three Oriokpa masquerades who were involved in the mayhem unleashed on road users in Nsukka town last Sunday have been arrested.
According to SP Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, they were arrested by police operatives of the Enugu State Command attached to the Nsukka Urban Division, in synergy with law-abiding members of the community, on Monday June 23, 2025, at about 3:30 p.m.
Ndukwe in a statement on Tuesday, 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 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.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, 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 our culture but decried the actions of those who exploited the occasion to commit criminal acts.
“Consequently, CP Giwa has 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, assuring the public that all those involved will be brought to justice,” Ndukwe further stated.
