Fresh outrage has erupted in Nsukka after the re-emergence of the infamous Oriokpa masquerades, who were seen attacking locals in a disturbing return to violence.
The group, whose activities were banned last year following a brutal assault on a nurse, have once again made headlines—this time for a series of violent acts captured on video over the weekend.
DAILY GAZETTE recalls that the Oriokpa masquerades were suspended in May 2024 after they severely assaulted Miss Blessing Ogbonna, a nurse on her way to work.
Despite wearing her medical uniform and riding a motorbike, she was beaten until she fell and sustained injuries.
Public outrage over the incident led the Nsukka Town Union to impose a temporary ban on their activities.
That ban has since been lifted, and, exactly a year later, the masquerades are back, with disturbing reports suggesting that they have become even more violent.
Two separate videos, which went viral on Sunday, June 22, show Oriokpa masquerades terrorizing unsuspecting members of the public in Nsukka, a prominent university town in Enugu State.
In one of the clips, a man is seen being repeatedly flogged by a group of masquerades. Witnesses claim that the beating escalated after the victim refused to give them money, with one of the masquerades allegedly stabbing him during the assault.
The man reportedly lost consciousness as bystanders tried to revive him by pouring water over his body.
A second video shows a different victim being knocked to the ground by another masquerade, while frightened residents can be heard crying and shouting in the background.
The violent scenes have sparked an outpouring of anger across social media, with many calling on the Enugu State Government and local authorities to intervene urgently before the situation spirals further out of control.
Community leaders and human rights advocates are now demanding a permanent ban on the masquerade group, with some accusing them of hiding behind cultural traditions to carry out criminal acts.
So far, no official statement has been released by state authorities, but pressure continues to mount for swift and decisive action.
