Enugu State House of Assembly has arrange an ad-hoc committee to come up with practical measures to regulate the activities of masquerades in the state.
This follows the abuse of a female nurse, Ms Blessing Ogbonna, by a group of masquerades in Ihe-Owerre, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
The setting up of the ad-hoc committee on Thursday in Enugu followed a motion moved by Mr Malachy Onyechi to address the abuse of human rights, risk to life, and destruction of properties by masquerades in Nsukka West Constituency.
Onyechi, representing Nsukka West constituency, noted that the menace of masquerade in his area was alarming, as many have both been injured or misplaced their lives within the course of.
The lawmaker stated that the latest abuse of Ogbonna had generated public condemnation and outcry from the folks inside and out of doors the state.
“Mr Speaker, my consideration was brought to the case of a young nurse, Ms Blessing Ogbonna, who was assaulted by masquerades in Nsukka. The attack was vicious and left her hospitalised.
“I’ve reached out to her to evaluate the harm and supply my help. However this is able to not be the first time, as there abounds documentary evidence on violence by misguided masquerades and their followers.
“The seven masquerades have been arrested and charged at a magistrate court in Nsukka for assault, extortion and blockade of federal road.
“This motion goals to harmonise practices, and guidelines of engagement within the follow of masquerade as a part of cultural exhibition, leisure or business functions in a means that safeguard events from abuse.
“This name for concern doesn’t lose sight of conditions the place masquerade has been unjustly handled both by people, organised teams or security agencies.
“Due to this fact, this motion shouldn’t be meant to witch-hunt anyone, or group however to harmonize systems and practices,” Onyechi stated.
The lawmaker additionally condemned the act of blocking roads, thereby preventing workers like nurses on essential service from performing their duties.
Supporting the movement, Mr Pius Ezugwu, representing Nsukka East Constituency, revealed that the issue of masquerade had nearly caused conflict between two communities in his constituency.
Source:- dailypostng
