There has been widespread outrage following the violent outing of a masquerade from Awgbu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during a burial ceremony on Monday.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of the masquerade, identified by community indigenes as Agaba, after videos of the incident went viral on social media.
Agaba is reportedly a feared masquerade in the community, known for destructive behaviour and said to traditionally appear only after 6:30pm, when ceremonies are usually over. However, during Monday’s burial event, the masquerade allegedly went on a violent rampage.
Multiple circulating videos showed the masquerade attacking passers-by, community members, and guests at the ceremony. In one clip, Agaba was seen mounting the event podium and destroying public address equipment belonging to the master of ceremonies, identified as Onowu, an indigene of Awgbu who attempted to resist the attack.
In another video, the masquerade chased other smaller masquerades, forcing them to flee. Two separate clips also showed Agaba pushing down two motorcycle riders—one elderly and the other a younger man. The younger victim reportedly struck his head against a parked vehicle, raising fears that he may have sustained fatal injuries.
The incident has sparked heated debate online, with some blaming the master of ceremonies for confronting the masquerade, while others strongly condemned the episode as “cultural barbarism” incompatible with modern society.
A Facebook user, Charles Ogbu, called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ban the masquerade, sanction its handlers, and arrest those who allegedly assisted in assaulting victims.
Several residents also urged Awgbu community leaders to rein in the masquerade, stressing that societal values and public safety must take precedence over harmful traditional practices.
Confirming police action, the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the masquerade had been taken into custody.
“The Command has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens, which led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the masquerade’s conduct was “totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated under any guise,” noting that investigations are ongoing to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
By David-Chyddy Eleke, Awka
About the Author
