The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a masquerader accused of carrying out unprovoked violent attacks on residents during a festival in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The arrest follows the circulation of viral videos showing the masquerader chasing and assaulting passers-by, disrupting a public event, and causing panic in the community.

According to reports, the incident occurred over the weekend during the last Ofala Festival of the late traditional ruler of Awgbu, Igwe M. C. Okechukwu (Ezedioramma II, Ezekanunu III).

Footage from the scene showed the masquerader pushing riders off motorcycles, chasing people on sight, and destroying equipment while being cheered on by followers. In one video, an elderly man was seen being pushed off a motorcycle, while another clip captured a separate accident 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, including plastic chairs, tables, and sachet water, further escalating the violence and endangering lives.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was in custody and investigations were ongoing to apprehend other culprits.

Ikenga stated, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially Ndi Anambra and other concerned persons, that the command has taken into custody the masquerader 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 behaviour of the masquerader, as seen in the viral videos, 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.”

In a similar past incident reported in February 2025, the state government declared a masquerader named “Nweke” wanted for allegedly killing a 71-year-old man, Shedrack Okoye, during a masquerader outing at Umuawulu community in Awka South Local Government Area.

At the time, the state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Don Onyenji, emphasized that such acts violated the Anambra State masquerading law enacted in 2022, which mandates that masquerade displays must be confined to designated arenas during festivals.

He added that masquerades must not obstruct movement, block roads, or cause disturbances, stressing that masquerading is meant for cultural entertainment and fun, not violence.