The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a masquerade suspected of carrying out violent attacks on residents, disrupting public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area.
A video that quickly went viral online shows the masquerade chasing and assaulting passers-by, disrupting a public function, and creating chaos in the community.
The incident reportedly took place over the weekend during the last Ofala Festival of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu (Ezedioramma II, Ezekanunu III).
Clips from the event depict the masquerade rampaging through the crowd, forcefully pushing riders off motorcycles, chasing people, and destroying equipment, while some followers cheered him on. In one clip, an elderly man was pushed off a motorcycle, and another aged man reportedly fell from a moving bike, hitting his head on a parked vehicle. Supporters were also seen throwing objects, including plastic chairs, tables, and sachet water, further escalating the violence and endangering lives.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Anambra State Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrest and said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other culprits.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra, that the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens in Awgbu has been taken into custody. Such behaviour, as seen in the viral videos, is totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated. Investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.”
The Telegraph had reported in February 2025 that the state government declared a masquerader named “Nweke” wanted for allegedly killing a 71-year-old man, Shedrack Okoye, during a masquerade outing in Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area.
At the time, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Don Onyenji, noted that such acts violated the 2022 Anambra State law on masquerading, which requires masquerade displays to be confined to designated arenas during festivals. Onyenji emphasized that masquerades are meant for entertainment, not violence, and must not obstruct movement, block roads, or endanger lives.
