Posted by The nine villages that comprise Nsukka town in Enugu State have put a permanent halt to masquerade activities in the wake of the savage assault on a female nurse.
According to koupun, a group of masquerades attacked and brutally beat a nurse last Sunday in Nsukka, the town where the University of Nigeria is located. The victim was on her way to duty call.
Everyone was quick to criticize the new development.
Masquerade activities have been permanently outlawed, according to a credible source who confirmed the prohibition to koupun after a meeting with local stakeholders.
A large number of people from the Oha Nsukka, Akpuruaru Nsukka, Igwe, PG of the nine autonomous communities, and youths showed up to the meeting that the Nsukka Town Federated Union had called.
“The Oriokpa Masquerade operation has been suspended until further notice,” was the unanimous decision.
“The suspension is in place so that the Council of Elders may finalize their investigation into the attack on Miss Blessing Ogbonna, the nurse, and to establish the details of the Oriokpa masquerade operation.
“It is hereby requested that all security agencies assist the Town in enforcing this decision. Any further updates will be promptly communicated.”
The Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, meanwhile, is celebrating the ruling.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) commended the Nsukka Town Federated Union and Council of Elders for their prompt response to the latest tragedy. They had previously visited the hospital where the brutalized nurse was treated.
Prince Chibeze Onah, convener, and Agu Chineme, head of administration, signed a statement released by the group on Saturday night.
“We applaud the Council of Elders’ efforts to protect the Nsukka people and wholeheartedly endorse their decision to temporarily halt the Oriokpa masquerade performance until further notice.
As the Council of Elders endeavors to formulate new protocols for the Oriokpa masquerade operation, we kindly request that all parties involved adhere to this suspension and work together.
“The future of the Nsukka community depends on our joint efforts. Let us keep pushing forward.”