Police Arrest Three Masqueraders Over Viral Assault in Nsukka, CP Giwa Vows Justice

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the violent assault of civilians by the Oriokpa masquerade group in Nsukka, which went viral on social media over the weekend.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday, June 23, by operatives attached to the Nsukka Urban Division, with the support of vigilant and law-abiding members of the community. The arrests follow a disturbing incident on June 22, during which masqueraders, under the guise of participating in the Oriokpa cultural festival, attacked innocent residents, leaving at least one victim hospitalised with serious injuries.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the masqueraders initially resisted arrest and fled the scene. However, prompt intelligence gathering and community cooperation led to the identification and capture of three suspects. Others involved in the assault remain at large, and efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and assured the public that justice will be served. He strongly condemned the abuse of cultural heritage for criminal purposes, stressing that while masquerade traditions are deeply revered in Igbo society, they must not be allowed to degenerate into lawlessness and violence.

“Masquerade celebrations are sacred and symbolic expressions of our culture,” CP Giwa stated. “They should not be hijacked by individuals who exploit them as a cover for committing crimes and causing public disorder.”

He further warned that the police would not tolerate any attempt to turn cultural festivals into avenues for assaulting citizens or breaching public peace, vowing that all perpetrators of the Nsukka assault will be brought to book.

The command has urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order across the state.