In a press release dated May 2nd, 2024, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development expressed its condemnation of the violent assault on a young nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna, by Oriokpa masquerades on April 30th, 2024, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to FountainCare Reporters, The Ministry deemed the act a flagrant abuse of the fundamental human rights of an innocent citizen and called for a reevaluation of cultural practices that endorse violence or harassment.
Hon Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the state Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, assured the public that the Ministry is actively pursuing investigations through security operatives and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Press statement read;
ENUGU STATE MINISTRY OF CHILDREN GENDER AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2ND, 2024
The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development is appalled by the recent incident involving the violent assault of a young nurse by Oriokpa masquerades on the 30th of April 2024 in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The young nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna had in a bid to get to her workplace, rode on a motorbike and was clustered by cane-weilding Oriokpa masquerades in Nsukka. What followed after was an eye sore, an act of barbaric wickedness and a flagrant abuse of the fundamental human rights of an innocent citizen of Enugu State, an afront on Section 41(1) of the 1999 constitution which provides that; Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof..."
This reprehensible act of barbarism, which resulted in the severe injury, humiliation and near-death experience for an innocent citizen of Enugu State is utterly unacceptable in any civilized society. While we acknowledge the cultural significance of the Oriokpa masquerades within Nsukka's cultural heritage, such actions that infringe upon an individual's fundamental rights cannot be justified under any circumstances. Yes, while we understand the place of cultural traditions in our social identity as a people, we must critically re-examine practices that defy modern sensibilities and fundamental human rights. Nsukka is a University Town and it's evolving urban landscape and the principles of civilization demand a reevaluation of customs that endorse violence or harassment in any form.
We seize this medium to assure the public that the Ministry is actively pursuing investigations to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. While we at it, we call on the elders and custodians of Nsukka's cultural traditions to reevaluate and immediately prohibit practices such as this that condone violence or harassment or any kind of abuse of human right. Cultures are created for the people and it's dynamism allows it to at all times reflect the evolving environment, lifestyle and inclination of a people.
Having reached out to the victim, security operatives, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the jurisdiction and other sister ministeries; the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to join hands to follow the case squarely, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development stands resolute against all forms of violence and discrimination. We are committed to promoting a society founded on principles of human dignity.
Signed:
Hon Mrs Ngozi Enih
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State.
