The Enugu State Police Command has detained three masqueraders in the Nsukka area of the state for allegedly assaulting citizens.

The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Tuesday that police operatives, with the assistance of community members, arrested the suspects on June 23 at 3:30 p.m.

He said the arrest of the suspects was in connection with the alleged physical assault of citizens by the “Oriokpa” Masquerade Group on June 22, as seen in a viral video.

“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 on them.

“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,” he said.

The spokesman said the state’s commissioner of police, Mamman Giwa, had ordered a thorough investigation into the case to ensure justice was served.

Mr Ndukwe quoted the commissioner as saying that the masquerade celebration was a sacred and symbolic aspect of the nation’s culture.

He said the state police chief, however, decried the actions of those who exploited the occasion to commit criminal acts.

Mr Ndukwe said the commissioner 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.

“The command is assuring the public that all those involved in the assault of law-abiding citizens will be brought to justice,” he added.

(NAN)