Over 1,000 Enugu Women Protest Against Incessant Masquerade Attacks, Demand Govt Intervention

In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, over 1,000 women from the Eha-Alumona community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State took to the streets on Wednesday, September 19, 2024, to protest the relentless attacks and harassment by local masquerades. The protesters, led by community leader Mrs. Benedict Ugwuoke, called on Governor Peter Mbah to immediately ban the operations of the Omabe and Akatakpa masquerades, which they claim have held the community, particularly women, in a chokehold of fear and oppression.

The women, some of whom carried placards with inscriptions such as "Gov Peter Mbah, come to our rescue from the evil menace of Omabe and Akatakpa masquerades" and "Women are denied movement and their rights," marched peacefully from Eha-Alumona to the Nsukka Local Government Secretariat and the Nsukka Police Area Command.

Addressing the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) of Nsukka LGA, Mrs. Martina Ugwuoke, and the Nsukka Police Area Commander, Mr. Yahaya Hassan, the spokesperson for the group, Mrs. Ugwuoke, decried the increasing violence inflicted by masquerades. She lamented how these masquerades have turned daily life into a nightmare, especially for women, restricting their freedom of movement and threatening their livelihood.

“We are here to appeal to Governor Mbah and security agencies to put an end to the activities of Omabe and Akatakpa masquerades in Eha-Alumona,” Ugwuoke said. “Our women are living in fear and can no longer go to the farm, the market, or even their offices because they are constantly harassed and attacked by these masquerades.”

She further explained that on specific cultural days known as "Onuokachi Day," the community is forced into a state of lockdown, with women, in particular, becoming the primary targets. According to her, on these days, it is not safe for motorists, visitors, or traders to enter the community, and if it coincides with a market day, the situation becomes dire as they are unable to fend for their families.

Culture and Tradition Versus Human Rights

Mrs. Ugwuoke clarified that the protesters were not against the cultural practices of the community but insisted that the rights and safety of women and other vulnerable groups should not be compromised in the name of tradition. She raised concerns about young men hiding behind the guise of masquerades to commit violent acts, including using weapons like machetes, guns, and knives to intimidate, attack, and extort money from residents.

“The boys parading as spirits under the mask of masquerades have forgotten that the very women they attack and harass are the ones who gave birth to them,” Ugwuoke passionately stated. “We are calling for our basic rights—freedom of worship and freedom of movement.”

She emphasized that the traditional institutions in the community had made several attempts to regulate the masquerades' activities, but their efforts had been unsuccessful, as the masquerades continued to operate with impunity.

In response to the women’s demands, the HPM of Nsukka LGA, represented by Mrs. Jecinta Ugwu, commended the women for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their letter of protest would be forwarded to Governor Mbah for urgent action.

Similarly, Nsukka Police Area Commander Mr. Yahaya Hassan pledged to convey the protesters’ concerns to the higher authorities within the police force. He also assured them that the police would continue to provide security to law-abiding citizens, emphasizing that such incidents would not be overlooked.

“I appreciate your peaceful protest and assure you that the police will continue to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Your grievances will be presented to the appropriate hierarchy for consideration,” Hassan stated.

As the protest ended peacefully, the women left with the hope that the government would take immediate action to address their plight, ensuring that peace and security are restored to their community.

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This protest is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between cultural preservation and the protection of human rights, as communities in Nigeria continue to grapple with traditional practices that, in some instances, infringe on individual freedoms and safety. The women of Eha-Alumona have made it clear that they will no longer tolerate the harassment and violence that have become synonymous with masquerade activities in their community. Now, the ball is in the government’s court to act swiftly and decisively.