Three Oriokpa Nsukka masquerades involved in the mayhem unleashed on road users in Nsukka town last Sunday have been arrested.
According to SP Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, they were arrested by police operatives of the Enugu State Command attached to the Nsukka Urban Division, in synergy with law-abiding members of the community, on June 23, 2025, at about 3:30 p.m.
Ndukwe in a statement on Tuesday, said the suspects, along with others still at large, took advantage of the Oriokpa Masquerade celebration to assault several innocent members of the public, inflicting bodily injuries.
"One of the victims was hospitalised for treatment due to injuries sustained during the attack.
"The masqueraders initially resisted police arrest and fled the scene.
"However, with the assistance of law-abiding community members, the three suspects were later identified and apprehended.
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure that justice is served.
"He emphasised that masquerade celebrations are a sacred and symbolic aspect of our culture but decried the actions of those who exploited the occasion to commit criminal acts.
Consequently, CP Giwa has warned against the use of cultural festivities as a cover for fomenting trouble and committing crimes against fellow citizens, as perpetrated by the Oriokpa masqueraders, assuring the public that all those involved will be brought to justice," Ndukwe further stated.