Chaos In Nsukka: Woman Killed By Truck While Fleeing Menacing Masquerade

Two individuals have tragically lost their lives due to assaults by the notorious Oriokpa masqueraders in Nsukka, located within the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

A woman was fatally injured on Tuesday, September 2024, while trying to escape from one of the Oriokpa masquerades on Aku Road in the Obechara area. In her desperate bid for safety, she ran into the path of a moving truck, resulting in her instantaneous death and sending shockwaves of fear through onlookers.

In a separate incident at Nru Junction, a young man, later identified as a student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), also met his demise. While the circumstances of his death are still unclear, reports indicate that he may have been trying to evade the masqueraders when chaos erupted around him.

Chief Okey Ogbodo, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, confirmed these events in a statement released to journalists in Enugu on Friday. He announced that the state government has initiated a thorough investigation into the activities of the Oriokpa masquerade groups, pledging to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The affected communities, including Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo, have been plagued by unrest, violence, and fatalities due to the actions of the masqueraders.

Ogbodo stated that Governor Peter Mbah has instructed the Commissioner of Police to conduct an immediate investigation into the incidents and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The government has issued a stern warning against any further misconduct by any group or individual, reiterating its commitment to protecting the rights and security of its citizens.

“Following the directive of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the affected communities are invited to meet with the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs at the State Secretariat on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1 PM,” the statement announced.

Additionally, the government expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that it will not tolerate any further excesses by any groups.

“The Enugu State Government condemns any misconduct by individuals or groups. Our citizens should not have to live in fear; the rights and security of our women, children, youth, and all residents of Enugu State must be safeguarded at all times. Any further excesses by the Oriokpa masqueraders or any group will face appropriate sanctions from the government,” the statement concluded.