The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a masquerade accused of launching violent and unprovoked attacks on residents in Awgbu community, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the masquerade has been apprehended and that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral videos showing the masquerade chasing and assaulting members of the public, disrupting a community event, and triggering panic among residents.
The incident was said to have occurred over the weekend during the final Ofala Festival held in honour of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu (Ezedioramma II, Ezekanunu III).
Footage from the scene captured the masquerade forcefully pushing motorcyclists off their bikes, chasing people indiscriminately and vandalising equipment, while being encouraged by some followers.
In one of the videos, an elderly motorcyclist was seen knocked down by the masquerade, while another aged man reportedly fell from a moving motorcycle and struck his head against a parked vehicle.
Supporters of the masquerade were also observed throwing potentially dangerous objects, including plastic chairs, tables and sachet water, at people attending the event, further escalating the violence and putting lives at risk.
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“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that the masquerade involved in the unprovoked violent attacks on innocent citizens in Awgbu has been arrested,” Ikenga said.
He added that the conduct displayed in the viral footage was unlawful and would not be tolerated under any circumstances, stressing that the suspect remains in police custody while efforts continue to bring all accomplices to justice.
