Three masqueraders seen in a viral video assaulting individuals during the ‘Oriokpa’ Masquerade celebration in the Nsukka area of Enugu State have been arrested.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Enugu Police Command Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe on Tuesday.
He stated that the masqueraders were apprehended on June 23 at 3:30 p.m., with the help of community members.
According to Ndukwe, the suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged physical assault of citizens by the ‘Oriokpa’ Masquerade group on June 22, as captured in a viral video.
“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 on them.
“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,” he said.
The spokesman stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, had directed a thorough investigation into the case to ensure justice is served.
Ndukwe quoted the commissioner as describing masquerade celebrations as a sacred and symbolic part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
He stated that the state police chief, however, condemned the actions of individuals who took advantage of the occasion to engage in criminal activities.
Ndukwe said the commissioner cautioned against using cultural festivities as a cover for causing unrest or committing crimes against fellow citizens, as allegedly done by the ‘Oriokpa’ masqueraders.
“The command is assuring the public that all those involved in the assault of law-abiding citizens will be brought to justice,” he added.