Women protest activities of masquerades in Enugu community

Around 1,000 women from Eha-Alumona Community in Nsukka Local Council, Enugu State, staged a peaceful protest yesterday, calling on Governor Peter Mbah to ban masquerade activities in the area.

The women marched to the Nsukka Local Government Council Secretariat and Nsukka Police Area Command carrying placards highlighting the masquerades’ negative impact on their freedom of movement and safety.

Mrs Benedict Ugwuoke, the protest spokesperson, explained that the demonstration was prompted by incessant attacks, harassment, intimidation, and extortion by masquerades in Eha-Alumona.

She stated that the masquerades’ activities have prevented women from carrying out their daily routines, including farming and trading.

“We are here to appeal to Governor Mbah and security agencies to ban the activities of Omabe and Akatakpa masquerades in Eha-Alumona due to their incessant attacks and harassment of residents, especially women and young girls,” Mrs Ugwuoke said.

She expressed concern that if the situation persists, it would lead to hunger and hardship for families who rely on women’s economic activities.

The protesters also raised alarm over the use of dangerous weapons by the masquerades, including machetes, daggers, and guns.

Mrs Ugwuoke said that while they respect cultural traditions, they cannot tolerate violence and intimidation in the name of culture.

Efforts by traditional institutions to curb the masquerades’ activities have proven futile, as the operators refuse to adhere to established rules and regulations.

In response to the protest, the Head of Personnel Management in Nsukka Local Council, represented by Mrs Jacinta Ugwu, commended the women for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their protest letter would be forwarded to the administrator for immediate action.

The Nsukka Police Area Commander also acknowledged the women’s concerns and promised to forward their request to the appropriate police authorities for consideration.

He reassured them of the police’s commitment to providing security for all law-abiding citizens.