Nurse Assault: Masquerade activities banned in Nsukka town

In response to the recent barbaric assault on a female nurse, the operation of masquerades has been suspended indefinitely across the nine communities constituting Nsukka town in Enugu State.

The attack, which occurred last Sunday at the University of Nigeria town of Nsukka, where the nurse was mercilessly beaten by a group of masquerades, prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters.

A reliable source disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Nsukka Town Federated Union unanimously agreed to ban masquerade activities until further notice.

The meeting, well-attended by community leaders including the Oha Nsukka, the Akpuruaru Nsukka, Igwes, PGs of the nine autonomous communities, and youths, resulted in a resolution to suspend the Oriokpa Masquerade operation.

The resolution stated, “Oriokpa Masquerade operation has been suspended until further notice to enable the Council of Elders to conclude on the assault on Nurse Blessing Ogbonna and devise new modalities for masquerade operations.

All security agencies are urged to enforce this decision, with further developments to be communicated.”

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 to address the incident.

In a statement signed by Prince Chibeze Onah and Agu Chineme, the group expressed support for the suspension and called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the Council of Elders in establishing new guidelines for masquerade operations in Nsukka.

This decisive action reflects the community’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its members, as efforts continue to bring justice to the victim and prevent future occurrences of such reprehensible acts.