The Nigerian Police has arrested a masquerade that allegedly unleashed violence on guests during a burial ceremony and caused bodily harm to many at the event.
A viral video of the incident showed the masquerade charging towards people seated at the high table, causing panic as guests fled for safety.
The burial ceremony reportedly held in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state. Unprovoked, the Agaba masquerade allegedly unleashed violent attacks on innocent guests and other citizens at the ceremony.
According to the Police, the incident occurred yesterday and resulted in a breach of public peace. The Command described the conduct of the masquerade as unlawful and totally unacceptable, emphasizing that no cultural practice or traditional display gives anyone the right to assault or endanger the lives of citizens.
The Police stressed that such acts will not be tolerated under any guise. The arrested suspect is currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other people who were involved in or aided the violent conduct. The Police said all those found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
There is outrage over the outing of a masquerade from Awgbu Community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during a burial ceremony on Monday.
This is coming as police has confirmed the arrest of the masquerade and have taken it into custody.
The masquerade which was later identified by indigenes of the community as Agaba is said to be fiery, and only appears late in the evening when ceremonies are already over, because of its violent attributes.
Several videos circulating online revealed how Agaba destructively descended on guests, passersby and other citizens during the burial ceremony.
In one of the videos, the masquerade jumped on the podium at an event and started destroying public address systems owned by the master of ceremony who has been identified as Onowu; an indigene of the community who also stood up to him.
In another, the masquerade chased other smaller masquerades in the community who seemed to know its strength, and ran as far as their legs could carry them.
In yet two others, the masquerade pushed down two men who were riding peacefully on their motorcycles. One of them and old man, and the other a young man hit his head in a parked car and many suspect that he sustained a fatal injury.
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