Nsukka, Enugu State have beaten up a Catholic
seminarian attached to Nsukka diocese to a pulp, robbed
him of cash and his mobile phone and left him with
machete cuts.
Reacting to the incident, Catholic Bishop of Nsukka
Diocese, Bishop Godfrey Onah, condemned the activities
of masquerades popularly called Oriokpa.
Speaking, yesterday, in Nsukka during a church service
at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka, Bishop Onah urged
law enforcement agencies to treat masquerades that
block roads, beat, harm and extort money from people
as terrorists and cultists.
“It’s unfortunate that in this 21st century, some youths
in Nsukka area would cover their faces, block roads,
beat and extort money from people who go about their
legitimate businesses in the name of masquerades,” he
said.
According to the Bishop, “on Wednesday, March 29, a
seminarian serving in Nsukka diocese, Lawrence
Ezugwu, while on his way to Enugu Electricity
Distribution Company, EEDC, Nsukka district office to
pay electricity bill was beaten to a pulp by a group of
masquerades that blocked Enugu road at Ugwuoye
Nsukka.
“The seminarian has been in the hospital since
Wednesday when the incident happened.
“This is a sacrilege and an abomination. The church will
ensure that all those involved are brought to book as
well as fight to bring this evil culture to an end. As
bishop of this diocese, I am ready to lay down my life to
stop this man’s inhumanity to man by masquerades
who block roads, harm people, rape young girls, extort
money from road users and intimidate innocent
residents with weapons in the name of culture.
“The Nsukka Oriokpa masquerade is an evil cult. Anybody
engaging in it is worshipping idol.”
Contacted, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, Enugu State Police
Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident and said
one of the masquerades was already in police custody.
“Investigation has been intensified to ensure that all
those involved in that unfortunate incident are arrested
and charged to court,” he said.
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