The Enugu State Government has ordered an investigation to be carried out into the killing of two people by masquerades in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Okey Ogbodo, in a statement on Friday.
Two persons were reportedly killed in an attack by the excessive activities of Oriokpa masqueraders at the University Town of Nsukka in the Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
Ogbodo noted that the activities of the masquerade group will be proved intently and perpetrators held accountable and made to face the wrath of the law.
He also disclosed that the state government has summoned traditional rulers and the Presidents-General of the affected communities to address the issue.
He maintained that the government will not tolerate further excesses from any group or individual, stressing that it is commitment to protecting citizens rights and security.
The statement reads in part, “Consequently, and following the express directive of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the traditional rulers and Presidents-General of the town unions of the affected communities are hereby invited to meet with the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, at the State Secretariat on Friday, September 27, 2024. Venue is the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, and time is 1 pm prompt.
“The affected communities are Nguru, Isiakpu, Echara, Nru, Edem-Ezema, Iheagu, Ihe, Owere, and Umuoyo.
“Furthermore, the governor has equally directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately institute a full-scale investigation into the incidents, including the reported fatalities resulting from the activities of the said masquerade groups with a view to bringing whoever is culpable to book.”