In a prompt response, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ugochukwu Ferdinand Ukwueze, has ordered the arrest of masquerades involved in the assault of a pregnant woman in Itchi, a community within the council area.
Reports indicate that the pregnant woman lost consciousness after a violent encounter with the masquerades. Barr. Ukwueze expressed his displeasure and anger upon learning of this disturbing incident, which he condemned as a criminal act disguised as cultural expression. He directed law enforcement to take immediate action to apprehend those responsible for the assault.
In addition to calling for the arrest of the perpetrators, Barr. Ukwueze emphasized the importance of ensuring the pregnant woman received proper medical attention by directing that she be taken to the hospital for treatment. He firmly stated that his administration would not tolerate criminal activities or acts of terrorism masked as cultural festivities.
He articulated his stance on the matter, saying, “Cultural festivities are carried out for the sake of fun and entertainment. No culture is founded to advance crime and terrorism in society. What type of cultural festivities will encourage masquerades to beat up a pregnant woman or anybody to the point of being unconscious? This is the height of rascality, and we will not tolerate such actions under our watch.”
Barr. Ukwueze commended the combined efforts of security officials, including the police and forest guards, which led to the apprehension of those who used culture as a cover to commit crimes within the council area. He also noted that the Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, has imposed a ban on cultural activities associated with criminality, reiterating his commitment to uphold this directive.
The arrested masquerades are set to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Enugu Police Command. This measure aims to deter others from engaging in similar heinous acts in the future.
