In the wake of a horrifying attack on a female nurse in Nsukka, Enugu State, the town has taken decisive action. Following the brutal assault carried out by a group of masquerades, all masquerade activities have been indefinitely suspended in the nine communities comprising Nsukka town.
The incident, which occurred last Sunday, shocked the entire community. The victim, Miss Blessing Ogbonna, a nurse, was on her way to her duty call when she was mercilessly beaten by a group of masquerades near the University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus. A brutality of the attack that sparked widespread condemnation from all sections of society.
In response to the incident, a meeting of stakeholders from the area was convened by the Nsukka Town Federated Union. Present at the meeting were representatives from various quarters including the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, the Igwes, the PGs of the nine autonomous communities, and the youth. After deliberation, a unanimous decision was reached to suspend all masquerade activities until further notice.
A resolution from the meeting stated, "Oriokpa Masquerade operation has been suspended until further notice." The suspension is intended to allow the Council of Elders to thoroughly investigate the assault on Miss Blessing Ogbonna and to devise new modalities for the operation of Oriokpa masquerades.
ORIOKPA MASQURADE OPERATON IN NSUKKA TOWN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The meeting Summoned by the Nsukka Town Federated Union was well attended by Nsukka Council of Elders, which included, but not limited to:
1. The Oha Nsukka,
2. The Akpuruarua Nsukka,
3. The Igwes,
4. The Committee of Presidents General of the 9 Autonomous communities,
5. The Nzemas,
5. The Youths, etc.
In the meeting, a resolution was reached that:
1. Oriokpa Masquerade operation has been suspended until further notice.
2. The suspension is to enable the Council of Elders conclude on the on the assault on the nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna and come up with modalities on the Oriokpa masquerade operation.
3. All security agencies are hereby requested to help the Town enforce this decision, while further developments will be duly communicated.
Omeje Onyekachi Callistus.
President
NSUKKA TOWN YOUTH ASSOCIATION
The decision to suspend masquerade activities has been met with widespread support from the community. The Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, a non-governmental organization, praised the swift action taken by the Nsukka Town Federated Union and the Council of Elders.
In a statement issued by the group, they expressed their appreciation for the commitment of the Council of Elders to the safety and well-being of the Nsukka community. The group urged all stakeholders to respect the suspension and to cooperate with the Council of Elders as they work towards establishing new modalities for masquerade operations.
The suspension of masquerade activities in Nsukka town marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of all community members. As the Council of Elders continues its investigation and works on new guidelines, the community stands united in its commitment to progress and development while ensuring the safety of its members.
