Three Masqueraders Arrested in Enugu for Assaulting Residents During Cultural Festival

ENUGU, Nigeria – The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three members of the Oriokpa Masquerade group following a viral video that captured them assaulting residents during a cultural celebration in Nsukka.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrests were made around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2025, during a coordinated operation by officers from the Nsukka Urban Police Division and local community members.

The suspects were identified in a disturbing video that surfaced online, showing masqueraders attacking innocent civilians, leaving at least one person hospitalized with injuries. The masqueraders initially resisted arrest and fled the scene but were later apprehended with the help of vigilant residents.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, strongly condemned the abuse of cultural practices to perpetrate violence and ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. He emphasized the command’s commitment to preserving public safety and ensuring that cultural traditions are not hijacked for criminal acts.

The police further appealed to the public to assist with any information that could lead to the capture of other suspects still at large.

“This incident is a stark reminder that cultural heritage must never be used as a cover for criminality,” CP Giwa stated.