RismadarVoice Reporters
January 14, 2026
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a masquerade accused of carrying out unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral video clips – showing the masquerade chasing and attacking passers-by, disrupting a public function and breaching public peace in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend during the final Ofala Festival of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu, also known as Ezedioramma the Second.
In the videos, the masquerade was seen forcing motorcycle riders off their bikes, chasing residents at sight, destroying equipment, causing accidents, while some followers cheered and threw objects including plastic chairs, tables and sachet water at members of the public.
In one of the clips, an elderly man was pushed off a motorcycle, while another aged rider reportedly fell, hit his head on a parked vehicle, further heightening tension in the community.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the masquerade involved in the attacks has been taken into custody.
Ikenga described the conduct as unacceptable and unlawful, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under any guise in Anambra State.
He said investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons involved in the violence, assuring that all culprits would be brought to justice.
The police also warned that cultural activities must be conducted within the confines of the law, noting that masquerade displays are meant for entertainment and cultural expression, not intimidation or violence.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
