Despite Official Ban, Oriokpa Masquerades Storm Nsukka Again, Beating, Stabbing and Terrorising Residents [VIDEO]

 

Chaos and fear have once again gripped the streets of Nsukka, Enugu State, as the dreaded Oriokpa masquerades resumed their violent activities. Residents who had only just begun to feel a sense of safety are now plunged back into anxiety and trauma following a string of disturbing attacks.

Despite a government ban imposed on the group in May of last year after the brutal killing of a nurse, the masquerades have returned in full force. Eyewitnesses report that their recent actions have escalated, showing a level of aggression far worse than before. Local accounts describe scenes of beatings, intimidation, and even stabbing, leaving community members stunned and pleading for urgent intervention.

Sunday turned bloody in the University town of Nsukka as the masquerades took to the streets, causing mayhem. In separate attacks, road users were harassed and beaten, and some were even physically assaulted for refusing to pay the masqueraders. A chilling video circulating online shows a man being violently stabbed after allegedly passing by without giving money. Another clip features a young man being whipped mercilessly while anguished cries of bystanders fill the background.

The resurgence of the Oriokpa masquerades has ignited public anger and frustration. Residents are questioning why authorities have failed to enforce the ban and protect the community from what they describe as lawless and dangerous cultural practices.

“It’s a complete breakdown of order,” said a resident who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal. “We were promised justice and peace after what happened last year. Now it’s as if nothing was ever done. These masquerades are attacking people in broad daylight. They act like they’re untouchable.”

The initial ban came after the shocking death of Miss Blessing Ogbonna, a young nurse who was beaten to death by the same group during their public procession. The incident triggered massive outrage across Enugu State, forcing the Nsukka Town Union to announce an immediate suspension of Oriokpa masquerade activities. Public officials had promised a crackdown, and for a while, things seemed to calm down.

However, that peace was short-lived. Without warning, the masquerades returned, reportedly emboldened by the lifting of the ban and what many suspect is the government’s failure to follow through on its initial response. Their reappearance, marked by brutality and disregard for the rule of law, has left the people of Nsukka feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

Community leaders and concerned citizens are now making renewed calls for decisive action. According to a local youth leader, “This isn’t just about culture anymore. We are dealing with a security threat. The government needs to recognize this for what it is and act before more lives are lost.”

Residents argue that the masquerades have become a cover for criminality, with some suggesting that the figures behind the masks are exploiting cultural practices to engage in extortion and assault. Complaints have been submitted to the authorities, but so far, no visible response has been taken. The silence from the State Police Command is only deepening the sense of frustration. Repeated attempts by SaharaReporters to get comments from the police were unsuccessful, as spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe could not be reached. His phone remained unreachable throughout the day.

For many in Nsukka, the fear now extends beyond personal safety. Parents are afraid to let their children out of their sight. Commercial drivers are reconsidering their routes. Shopkeepers and traders are closing earlier than usual. The ripple effects of the masquerade violence are visible everywhere, affecting the economy, education, and daily life.

With pressure mounting and public tension escalating, all eyes are on the Enugu State Government. Citizens demand not just words but action that ensures their safety. As one resident put it bluntly, “We’ve seen what these masquerades can do. We’ve already buried one innocent person. We cannot wait until another body drops before something is done.”

The return of the Oriokpa masquerades has laid bare the fragile nature of public security in Enugu. Unless firm and urgent steps are taken, many fear that the town of Nsukka could once again become a hotspot of violence disguised as cultural tradition.