By Deborah Nnamdi
The government of Enugu State has condemned the death of two residents of the state following an attack by ‘Oriokpa’ masquerades in Nsukka local government area of the state.
In a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, a probe has been launched into the activities of masquerades and their likes in the state.
According to Ogbodo, the state governor, Peter Mbah, stakeholders, and traditional leaders are to meet on Friday in his office to discuss ways to curb the excesses of the masquerades.
He said some of the affected communities include Edem-Ezema, Nguru, Nru, Iheagu, Ihe, Isiakpu, Owere, Umuoyo and Echara.
The reaction by the state government follows protests by some women from Eha-Alumona, a community in Nsukka LGA.
The women, in their hundreds, had protested the incessant attacks and embarrassments caused by these masquerades in their communities.
They also protested the death of two people following the attacks and harassment by the masquerades in their communities.
