The brutal assault on a nurse by a group of masquerades in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice. Identified as Miss Blessing Ogbonna, she was attacked while rushing to her duty call at a private hospital in Nsukka.
A video circulating online captured the nurse, dressed in her uniform, being relentlessly beaten until she fell off her motorbike. Despite her attempts to escape, the masquerades continued their assault, eventually causing her to fall into a drainage.
In her account to an online TV owned by Mr. Chinedu Anichi, Miss Blessing recounted how a tipper obstructed her view, leaving her vulnerable to the masquerades’ attack. She pleaded for justice, expressing ongoing trauma from the merciless assault.
This incident has evoked outrage, with many Nigerians demanding the prohibition of the ‘Oriokpa Nsukka masquerade’, notorious for its criminal activities besides extorting money. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the possession of weapons by these masquerades.
Various groups, including the Heroine Women Foundation, have called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators. Amb. Onyi Mama, Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized the need for swift action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Similarly, the Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative vowed to ensure justice for Miss Blessing. They have located her receiving medical treatment and urged local authorities to apprehend those responsible.
Professor Damina Opata, a renowned university professor, described the incident as troubling, highlighting the deviation of the Oriokpa masquerade from its traditional role as a cultural and moral guardian. He attributed this shift to various factors, including lack of mentorship and the influence of modernity.
Efforts are underway to address the situation, with calls for the involvement of traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies to curb the excesses of these masquerades.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the traditional ruler of the Nsukka community where the incident occurred.
