The Enugu State Police Command has detained three “Oliokpa” masqueraders in Nsukka metropolis for allegedly assaulting residents.
Police spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe explained that police operatives, with the assistance of members of the community, arrested the suspects on June 23rd at 3:30 pm.
According to him, the arrest was sequel to alleged physical assault of citizens by the “Oriokpa” masquerade group on June 22nd, as seen in a viral video.
“The suspects, along with others still at large, took advantage of the “Oriokpa” masquerade celebration to assault several innocent members of the public, inflicting bodily injuries on them.
“One of the victims was hospitalised for treatment due to injuries sustained during the attack.
“The masqueraders initially resisted police arrest and fled the scene.
“However, with the assistance of law-abiding community members, the three suspects were later identified and apprehended,” he said.
SP Ndukwe added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mamman Giwa, had ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure that justice was served.
According to him, the Commissioner said masquerade celebration, which is a sacred and symbolic aspect of the nation’s culture, was exploited to commit criminal acts by the suspects.
