The Anambra State Police Command has identified Ifesinachi Ezeolu, a 28-year-old male, as the individual behind the violent conduct exhibited during a recent masquerade outing in Awgbu community, sparking widespread public outrage.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command said the revelation followed intense public concern, video evidence, and multiple reports of assaults, intimidation, and destruction of property linked to the masquerade procession.
“Ordinarily, the identity of a masquerade bearer is sacred and concealed in line with Igbo tradition,” “However, due to the scale of violence, injuries, and damage to property recorded during this outing, the Command was compelled, in the overriding public interest, to unmask the individual responsible.”
Portfolio Media recalled that masquerade identified as Agaba Awgbu allegedly went on a violent rampage, assaulting residents, destroyed musical equipment belonging to one Onowu, blocking a vehicle conveying a critically ill person to the hospital, causing motorcycle accidents, and inflicting multiple injuries on innocent citizens.
Reiterating its stance on culture and the rule of law, the Command stressed that respect for tradition does not extend to criminality.
“The Nigeria Police Force respects and recognises the cultural and traditional practices of our people,” SP Ikenga said. “However, no cultural activity, belief system, or traditional display should be used as a shield to harass, assault, intimidate, or violate the fundamental human rights of any citizen.”
The Police warned that masquerade activities, like all public gatherings, must remain peaceful and lawful.
“Any act capable of causing fear, injury, obstruction of emergency services, or public disorder will be decisively addressed in line with the law,” the statement added.
The Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to public safety.
“We will continue to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful cultural expressions,” the Commissioner said. “Our priority remains the protection of lives, property, and the rights of all residents of Anambra State.”
The Police urged communities to uphold the values of culture as instruments of unity and identity, not fear and violence, warning that anyone who exploits tradition to perpetrate crimes will be held fully accountable.
End.
