Enugu State Police Command has apprehended a notorious Oriokpa masquerader linked to a series of assaults on women in the Nsukka area, including a high-profile attack on a nurse that went viral in April. According to a statement from the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrest was made by operatives from the Nsukka Sector of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad. The masquerader, identified as 22-year-old Ugwuoke Ebube of Enugu Road, Nsukka, was apprehended on May 12, 2024, around 3:45 p.m. at Ugwuoye Junction, Nsukka. Ebube was caught in the act of physically assaulting another female victim, whose identity has been withheld for privacy.
The investigation into Ebube’s activities revealed his involvement in the earlier incident, which sparked public outrage. In the widely circulated video from April 2024, a group of Oriokpa masqueraders was seen attacking a female nurse riding a motorcycle. The video prompted calls for justice and increased scrutiny of masquerade activities in the region.
Following his arrest, Ebube was arraigned on May 22, 2024, at the Nsukka Magistrate Court, where he was granted bail. The case continues to draw significant public interest, highlighting ongoing concerns about the misuse of cultural practices to perpetrate violence.
Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, condemned the assaults, emphasizing that cultural celebrations should not be a cover for criminal behavior. "The Command will not hesitate to bring anyone found guilty of such acts to justice," Uzuegbu stated, reinforcing the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
While the legal process unfolds, the Enugu community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that reinforces the sanctity of both cultural practices and individual safety. This arrest marks a pivotal step in addressing the broader issue of violence linked to masquerade traditions in Enugu State. The police have urged the public to report any such incidents and assured that stringent measures are in place to prevent a recurrence. [Journalist101]
