Police Arrest Three After Masquerade Group Attacks Residents in Nsukka

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with violent attacks carried out by members of the Oriokpa Masquerade group in Nsukka, Enugu State. The arrests were announced by the Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday, following public outrage over a viral video showing residents being assaulted during a cultural celebration in the university town of Nsukka.

According to the statement released by police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, the suspects were apprehended around 3:30 p.m. on June 23, 2025, by officers from the Nsukka Urban Division. The arrests were made possible through the cooperation of responsible community members.

The suspects, alongside other unidentified individuals who remain at large, allegedly used the occasion of the Oriokpa Masquerade festival on June 22 to physically attack innocent civilians, leaving some with serious injuries. One of the victims had to be hospitalized due to the severity of the assault.

Ndukwe revealed that the attackers initially evaded police efforts to arrest them but were later identified and captured with the help of locals.

In response to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, ordered a comprehensive investigation and condemned the violent misuse of traditional festivals. He emphasized that while masquerade celebrations are culturally significant and symbolic, they must not be exploited as a cover for criminal behavior.

Giwa further warned that those responsible for the attacks will face justice and urged the public to respect the law and uphold peace during cultural events.