The arrest followed the circulation of viral video clips showing the masquerader chasing and assaulting passers-by, disrupting a public event and causing panic in the community
A masquerader accused of carrying out unprovoked violent attacks on residents during a festival in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command.
The arrest followed the circulation of viral video clips showing the masquerader chasing and assaulting passers-by, disrupting a public event and causing panic in the community.
It was gathered on Wednesday that the incident occurred over the weekend during the last Ofala Festival of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu, also known as Ezedioramma II and Ezekanunu III.
Videos from the scene showed the masquerader going on a rampage during the event.
The footage captured the suspect forcefully pushing riders off motorcycles, chasing people indiscriminately and destroying equipment, while supporters cheered him on.
In one of the videos monitored, the masquerader was seen pushing an elderly man off a motorcycle.
Another clip showed an incident in which an elderly man reportedly fell from a moving motorcycle and struck his head on a parked vehicle.
Supporters of the masquerader were also seen throwing objects such as plastic chairs, tables and sachet water at people attending the event.
The actions further escalated the violence and put lives at risk during the public function.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect had been taken into custody.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the incident.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra and other concerned persons, that 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.
“The command notes that the behaviour of the masquerader, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, is totally unacceptable and unlawful and will not be tolerated under any guise.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga said.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep