By Adadareporters
The traditional rulers and presidents general of Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo, all in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), have been summoned for a crucial meeting by the Enugu State government to address the excesses of Oriokpa masquerades in Nsukka.
This followed violence and reported deaths as a result of the activities of the masqueraders.
The order was contained in a statement by the commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo. The government condemned the conducts of the masquerades, which have inflicted injuries on the people of the area, especially women.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting will hold at the state secretariat on Friday. It was gathered that the state government has also charged the commissioner of police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents.
According to the commissioner, “The government will not allow any group or individual to instill fear in the people. The safety and rights of all residents, including women, children, and youth, must be upheld.”
The recent incident occurred at Obechara area of the university community, and involved a young woman, on a motorcycle, who was fatally struck by an oncoming truck while fleeing from marauding Oriokpa masquerades. It was also reported that a young man died at Nru Junction as a result of the same excesses of Oriokpa masquerades.
Some women had last week held a protest, calling for the ban on Oriokpa masquerades in the entire Nsukka land.
