Enugu State Moves to Regulate Masquerades After Nurse’s Assault

The Enugu State House of Assembly has taken decisive action to address growing concerns over the activities of masquerades after a violent attack on a nurse in Ihe-Owerre, Nsukka Local Government Area. The Assembly set up an ad-hoc committee to propose regulations to govern the activities of masquerades, aiming to prevent further abuse, threats to life, and damage to property.

The formation of the committee came after a motion by Mr. Malachy Onyechi, representative for Nsukka West Constituency. Onyechi highlighted the incident involving Ms. Blessing Ogbonna, a nurse who was assaulted by a group of masquerades, resulting in severe injuries and her hospitalization. The attack has sparked public outrage and condemnation within and beyond Enugu State.

“Mr. Speaker, my attention was brought to the case of a young nurse, Ms. Blessing Ogbonna, who was assaulted by masquerades in Nsukka. The attack was vicious and left her hospitalised,” Onyechi stated. He emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, citing numerous instances of violence perpetrated by masquerades in the state.

Following the attack, seven masquerades were arrested and charged in a magistrate court in Nsukka for assault, extortion, and obstruction of a federal road. Onyechi explained that the aim of the committee is to establish guidelines and rules for the conduct of masquerades during cultural exhibitions, entertainment events, or commercial activities, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.

“This motion aims to harmonise practices and rules of engagement in the practice of masquerade as part of cultural exhibition, entertainment, or commercial purposes in a way that safeguards parties from abuse,” Onyechi said. He stressed that the initiative is not intended to target any individual or group unjustly, but rather to create a fair system that protects everyone’s rights.

The lawmaker also denounced the practice of masquerades blocking roads, which can prevent essential workers, like nurses, from performing their duties. He noted that this behavior not only endangers lives but also disrupts the community’s normal activities.

In support of the motion, Mr. Pius Ezugwu, representing Nsukka East Constituency, shared that the issue of masquerades had nearly caused conflict between two communities in his area. He welcomed the move to regulate masquerade activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order.

The ad-hoc committee will work to draft regulations and present them to the Assembly for approval, with the goal of ensuring that masquerades can continue to be a vibrant part of Enugu’s cultural heritage without posing a threat to public safety or violating human rights.