In the wake of the tragic deaths involving the notorious Oriokpa masquerades in Nsukka, Enugu State, the good governance advocacy group, Concerned Enugu State Youths (CESY), has condemned the acts of violence and expressed frustration over the continued silence of local stakeholders. Led by Comrade Kingsley Ekeuramah, the group issued a strongly worded statement during a press conference held in Enugu on September 25, 2024, calling for immediate and decisive action from the Enugu State government.
Speaking on behalf of CESY, Comrade Ekeuramah described the recent incidents, where two people lost their lives while fleeing the violent masquerades, as both preventable and deeply regrettable. He lamented that despite multiple cases of brutality linked to the Oriokpa masquerades, authorities and community leaders have remained silent, allowing the culture of impunity to persist.
In his address, Ekeuramah highlighted that the situation has escalated into a breakdown of public order. He remarked, "It is unacceptable that in the year 2024, innocent citizens are losing their lives to what should be a peaceful cultural tradition. The Oriokpa masquerades have become instruments of terror, causing pain, fear, and now death in our communities. Yet, we see no action from those in power—no arrests, no reforms, no accountability. This silence from stakeholders is deafening."
He further noted that the violent conduct of the masquerades does not reflect the true essence of Enugu's rich cultural heritage. According to Ekeuramah, the Oriokpa tradition, once celebrated for its significance in local customs, has been hijacked by individuals with ill intent. He argued that what was once a symbol of cultural pride has now become a symbol of lawlessness.
The Concerned Enugu State Youths group is now urging the Enugu State government to intervene swiftly, stating that the situation, if left unchecked, could spiral into further chaos. CESY’s demands include stricter regulation of masquerade activities, a review of cultural practices that threaten public safety, and the immediate arrest of individuals responsible for the recent deaths.
“We cannot continue to stand by as innocent people are killed or injured in the name of tradition. The Enugu State government must act now to prevent further loss of life. We demand that the perpetrators of this heinous act be brought to justice, and that policies be put in place to regulate masquerade activities to ensure they do not endanger the public,” Ekeuramah stated.
CESY expressed disappointment at the lack of response from traditional leaders, political figures, and security agencies who, they believe, should have taken responsibility in ensuring public safety. "Our traditional leaders must play a key role in addressing this issue. They cannot sit idle while the actions of a few tarnish the image of our customs and endanger lives. The political class also bears a heavy responsibility to protect the people they serve," Ekeuramah added.
CESY’s statement comes amid growing public outrage over the violent activities of the Oriokpa masquerades. Residents of Nsukka and neighboring communities have voiced their concerns over the insecurity and constant harassment they face during masquerade festivals. Many fear for their safety, with businesses and educational institutions in affected areas already reporting a decline in activity due to the climate of fear created by the masquerades.
The group also referenced the April 2024 incident in which a nurse was brutally attacked by Oriokpa masquerades while on her way to work, calling it a clear warning sign that went unheeded by the authorities. "We raised the alarm earlier this year when a nurse was mercilessly flogged. Nothing was done then, and now, people are dying. How much longer will we wait before the government acts?" Ekeuramah asked.
Concerned Enugu State Youths is urging the Enugu State government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, to take decisive steps to address the menace of masquerade violence and ensure that such tragic events do not recur. As the group’s message continues to resonate with an increasingly fearful population, the hope remains that authorities will heed their call for justice and reform.
The press statement concluded with a warning from CESY that failure to act could lead to further mobilization of concerned citizens and youth groups, who are prepared to hold peaceful protests demanding action. As the Enugu community awaits a response from the government, the fate of masquerade festivals in the state hangs in the balance.
