The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned a fresh wave of violence and public disorder linked to the Oriokpa masquerade in Nsukka, warning that those involved will face the full weight of the law and that a renewed ban on the masquerade is under serious consideration.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Dame Ugochi Madueke, described the recent incidents involving the masquerade as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” citing reports of harassment, flogging, brutalization, and extortion of innocent residents.

“While masquerades are revered components of our cultural identity, their conduct must reflect the values of respect, peace, and public safety,” Madueke said. “What we are witnessing with the Oriokpa masquerade is a dangerous distortion of our tradition and a violation of the very terms upon which the previous ban was lifted.”

The commissioner emphasized that despite prior engagements with community leaders and traditional stakeholders in the Nsukka cultural zone, some masquerade participants continue to exploit the cultural event as a platform for intimidation and lawlessness.

She stated that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any cultural activity that compromises public order or endangers lives.

“In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the Ministry is taking concrete steps to identify and bring to justice all individuals involved in these recent acts of violence,” she said, adding that a comprehensive review of the Oriokpa masquerade will begin immediately and may result in a fresh ban if deemed necessary.

Madueke further urged traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and community leaders to ensure that masquerade practices uphold both the dignity of the culture and the safety of the public.

“We must never allow culture to become a weapon of violence. Enugu State will continue to promote its rich heritage, but never at the expense of human life or civil order. Culture must unite, not divide,” she concluded.

The renewed warning comes as residents of Nsukka express increasing fear and frustration over what they describe as recurring excesses by masqueraders, despite previous interventions by authorities.

The government’s swift response signals a broader effort to balance cultural preservation with law and order, sending a clear message that tradition must evolve within the framework of modern societal norms.