Masquerades Suspended in Nsukka Town Following Nurse’s Attack

In response to the recent brutal attack on a female nurse by masquerades, the Nsukka Town Federated Union has indefinitely suspended the activities of masquerades in the nine communities comprising Nsukka town, Enugu State.

The incident, which occurred as the nurse was heading to her duty call at the University of Nigeria town of Nsukka, drew widespread condemnation.

Following a meeting of stakeholders from the area, including the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, the Igwes, the PGs of the nine autonomous communities, and the youths, a decision was made to suspend the operations of the Oriokpa Masquerade until further notice.

A statement from the Nsukka Town Federated Union read, “The suspension is to enable the Council of Elders to conclude on the assault on the nurse, Miss Blessing Ogbonna, and come up with modalities on the Oriokpa masquerade operation.”

The Union also requested all security agencies to assist in enforcing the decision, with further developments to be communicated in due course.

Meanwhile, the Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative has commended the swift action taken by the Nsukka Town Federated Union and the Council of Elders.

The group, which visited the assaulted nurse in the hospital, expressed support for the suspension of the Oriokpa masquerade operation until further notice.

In a statement signed by Prince Chibeze Onah, Convener, and Agu Chineme, Head of Admin, the group urged all stakeholders to respect the suspension and cooperate with the Council of Elders as they work on establishing new modalities for the masquerade operation in Nsukka.