A day of tragedy unfolded in Nsukka, Enugu State, as two individuals lost their lives in separate violent encounters involving the infamous Oriokpa masquerades. The incidents, which took place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, have reignited fears and concerns about the unchecked aggression associated with these traditional performers.
The first fatality occurred along Aku Road, in the Obechara area of Nsukka, where a middle-aged woman tragically met her death. Witnesses reported that she was being pursued by one of the Oriokpa masquerades when she ran directly into an oncoming truck. The impact killed her instantly, sending shockwaves through the crowd and leaving residents in fear.
In a separate incident at Nru Junction, a male student from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), also lost his life under unclear circumstances. Eyewitnesses suggest that the student may have been attempting to flee from the masquerades when chaos erupted. Although details remain sketchy, his death has further heightened tensions in the community.
The Oriokpa masquerades have long been associated with violent behavior during traditional festivals, causing apprehension among both residents and visitors. Their aggressive actions, often seen as excessive, have led to numerous confrontations in the past.
This latest series of events echoes a similar episode earlier this year, in April 2024, when a viral video surfaced showing the brutal flogging of a nurse on her way to work by the same Oriokpa masquerades. The incident, which took place on April 28 in Obechara, Nsukka Local Government Area, shocked many as the woman was mercilessly beaten and thrown into a roadside drainage while begging for mercy.
The viral video sparked national outrage, with human rights groups, women’s organizations, and concerned citizens condemning the masquerades’ violent behavior and demanding justice. Despite the public outcry and calls for action, the Oriokpa masquerades’ brutal tendencies have continued unchecked.
In the wake of these recent deaths, community leaders and concerned residents have ramped up their demands for government intervention. Many are calling for stricter control over the activities of the masquerades, with some pushing for their outright ban until reforms are made.
Mr. Okoro Nnadi, a resident of Nsukka, expressed his frustration, stating, “We can’t continue to live in fear of our own traditions. The government must take immediate action. We’ve lost too many innocent lives to this madness.”
As of now, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incidents, but sources suggest that investigations have been initiated to bring those responsible to justice. The community, meanwhile, remains on edge, fearing further violence from the Oriokpa masquerades.
