One Dead As Masquerade Worshippers, Youths Clash In Enugu

A young man identified as ‘Cross,’ from Amankpo Umu-Ezike, Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been feared killed when masquerade worshippers and some youths clashed at Nua community.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Etiti, Chinedu Okike, and not less than 100 residents of Aku sustained gunshot injuries during the fracas.

The spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident said one male suspect has been arrested in connection with the clash, adding that normalcy has been restored in the community.

According to an eyewitness, who pleaded for anonymity, the clash occured at Elu-Orie Nua Aku around 4p.m., on Monday.

“The fight started when Odo masquerade worshippers in their numbers accompanied one Odo masquerade called Ugwuishihe to Elu-Orie Nua as tradition demands for final visitation before departing to the spirit world.

“As the Odo masquerade with her worshippers got to Elu-Orie Nua, some boys from Nua in their numbers started stoning them from all angles. As the worshippers advanced, the boys started shooting at them. In the process, the DPO of Ogbede Police Division was shot alongside other people”.

“Most people started running for their lives as the DPO got shot and men of the Nigeria Police Force, who were on ground with the DPO to ensure a peaceful passage of the Odo masquerade in all the villages had to use tear gas to repel the shooters.

The two police vans they came with were damaged by Nua boys, when they were throwing stones at the police people.”

Reacting to the incidence, Vice Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Jude Amunabor, condemned the attack and promised that both state and local governments would get to the root of the matter.

Vanguard