The brutal assault on a nurse by a troupe of masquerades in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday has caused widespread condemnation.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many demanding justice for the nurse who was on her way to respond to a medical emergency.
Identified as Miss Blessing Ogbonna, she works at a private hospital in Nsukka.
In a video circulating online, the nurse, dressed in her uniform, was subjected to a relentless beating until she fell off her motorbike.
Despite her efforts to flee, the masquerades continued to assault her until she fell into a drainage ditch.
Speaking to an online TV owned by Mr. Chinedu Anichi, Miss Blessing explained that her view was obstructed by a truck while she was riding to work, leaving her vulnerable to the attack by the masquerades.
Expressing her trauma and calling for justice, she emphasized the merciless nature of her assailants.
The appalling incident has triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, who are calling for the complete prohibition of the ‘Oriokpa Nsukka masquerade,’ which has gained notoriety for its criminal activities including violent assaults and alleged possession of weapons.
A human rights organization, Heroine Women Foundation, condemned the actions of the masquerades and called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions against them.
Amb. Onyi Mama, the Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized that such an attack on a healthcare worker must not go unpunished.
Addressing the incident, she lamented the inhumanity displayed toward the nurse and urged authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
Similarly, a local advocacy group in Nsukka, Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, is pushing for justice for the nurse.
In a joint statement by Prince Chibeze Onah and Agu Chineme, the group assured that they have located the nurse and that justice was in progress.
Detailing their action, they highlighted the nurse’s current medical care and reiterated the need for accountability in the case.
They called upon community leaders to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable and prevent future occurrences of such violence under the guise of cultural practices.
Renowned academic Professor Damina Opata also weighed in on the issue, characterizing the incident as troubling.
Reflecting on the historical role of the Oriokpa masquerade, he highlighted its traditional functions in promoting morality and social order, emphasizing the need for a return to such values.
He underscored the negative impact of modern influences on the masquerade’s behavior and stressed the importance of mentoring and preserving cultural traditions to prevent such violent acts.
While discussions and calls for justice intensify, there has been no official response from the traditional ruler of Nsukka where the assault occurred.