The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three masqueraders in the Nsukka area for allegedly assaulting residents during a cultural celebration.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the suspects were apprehended on June 23 at about 3:30 p.m. with the help of community members.
According to Ndukwe, the arrests are linked to a June 22 incident involving members of the Oriokpa masquerade group, who were captured in a viral video physically assaulting several individuals.
“The suspects, along with others still at large, took advantage of the Oriokpa masquerade celebration to assault innocent citizens, inflicting bodily injuries on them,” Ndukwe said. “One of the victims was hospitalised as a result of the attack.”
He added that the masqueraders initially resisted arrest and fled, but three were later identified and apprehended thanks to assistance from law-abiding members of the community.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered a full investigation into the matter. He condemned the use of masquerade festivities — a culturally significant tradition — as a cover for criminal behaviour.
