Again, Oriokpa Masquerades Kill Another Innocent Woman in Enugu

A middle-aged woman was reportedly killed today in Enugu, Tuesday, 24th of September 2024, in Nsukka Town in separate incidents involving the notorious Oriokpa masquerades, whose violent activities have continued to instill fear in the local communities.

The first casualty, an unidentified middle-aged woman, met her untimely death at Aku Road, Obechara area, Nsukka, after being chased by one of the Oriokpa masquerades. In an attempt to escape, she ran into a moving truck and was killed instantly, causing widespread panic and horror among onlookers.

In another incident at Nru Junction, a young male, later identified as a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), also lost his life. Although details surrounding his death remain unclear, sources suggest that he may have been trying to evade the masquerades when he was caught in the chaos that ensued.

These tragic incidents have once again highlighted the growing concerns over the violent conduct of the Oriokpa masquerades. The group, notorious for their aggressive behavior, has become a source of anxiety for residents and visitors in the area, especially during festive periods and traditional events.

This recent havoc recalls a similar incident in April 2024, when the people of Enugu State voiced outrage after a viral video emerged showing the brutal flogging of a nurse on her way to work by the Oriokpa masquerades. The event, which occurred on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at Obechara in Nsukka Local Government Area, left many shocked and horrified. The video depicted the masquerades relentlessly attacking the woman, who eventually fell into a large roadside drainage while pleading for her life.

The nurse's ordeal sparked widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations, women's groups, and the general public, calling for urgent action to curtail the unruly behavior of the masquerades and protect the rights of residents. Despite the outcry, the violent tendencies of the Oriokpa masquerades appear to have continued unabated, with little to no intervention from the authorities.

Following the latest fatalities, community leaders and residents of Nsukka have intensified their calls for the government to put an end to the terror caused by the Oriokpa masquerades. Many are calling for stricter regulation of the masquerade tradition and the arrest of those responsible for these deadly incidents.

One resident, Mr. Okoro Nnadi, decried the lack of action, saying, “The authorities have allowed this menace to persist for far too long. These masquerades are out of control, and innocent lives are being lost. We need the government to step in and put an end to this.”

The Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the deaths, but sources indicate that investigations are ongoing.

The situation in Nsukka remains tense, as fear grips the local population. The latest deaths have reignited debates about the balance between preserving cultural traditions and ensuring public safety. As more residents demand accountability, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to prevent further loss of lives at the hands of these violent masquerades.

Authorities and cultural leaders must now grapple with the task of reforming a tradition that, in recent times, has turned deadly.