Nsukka Community in Enugu State has placed an indefinite ban on the deadly Oriokpa masquerade. This is coming on the heels of the recent brutal attack on a female nurse by the masquerades.
According to report, activities of masquerades have been suspended indefinitely in the nine Communities that make up Nsukka town.
Recall that a nurse, who was on her way to work, was brutally beaten last Sunday by the Oriokpa masquerades. The incident, however, has drawn condemnation from across the State.
According to DAILY POST, the out cry that greeted the actions of the masquerades forced the elders and leaders of the community to call for a meeting. A fallout from the meeting, which was attended by stakeholders from the area, have now placed an indefinite ban on the Oriokpa masquerades.
DAILY POST reported that the meeting, which was summoned by the Nsukka Town Federated Union, was well attended. Those present included the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, the Igwes, the PG’s of the 9 Autonomous Communities and the youths.
After deliberations on the incident, the meeting passed a resolution banning the activities of Oriokpa Masquerades.
According to the report, the masquerade has been suspended until further notice.
“The suspension is to enable the Council of Elders conclude investigations on the assault on the nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna. The Elders will, thereafter, come up with modalities on the Oriokpa masquerades operation.
“All security agencies are hereby requested to help the Town Union to enforce this decision. While further developments will be duly communicated,” it stated.
DAILY POST reports that a group, Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, has hailed the decision.
“The non-Governmental Organization, which earlier visited the brutalized nurse in the hospital, appreciated the swift action taken by the Town Union. It, therefore, praised the initiatives of the Nsukka Town Federated Union and the Council of Elders to addressing the ugly incident.
This was contained in a statement issued by the group on Saturday night. The press statement was signed by Prince Chibeze Onah, Convener and Agu Chineme, Head of Admin.
It reads in part, “ We commend the Council of Elders for their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nsukka Community members. And for their support to suspend the Oriokpa masquerade operation until further notice.
“We urge all stakeholders to respect this suspension and cooperate with the Council of Elders. This is as they work to establish new modalities for the Oriokpa masquerade operation.
“Let us continue to work together for the progress and development of the Nsukka community.”
source: Daily Post
