Six masquerades were apprehended at the Okwor Ngbo market in Ebonyi State's Ohaukwu Local Government Area for allegedly assaulting individuals and disregarding the prohibition on masquerade processions during market days.
Reports indicate that community leaders in Ngbo had previously cautioned young people against using masquerades to intimidate market vendors and extort money from them.
Meanwhile, Honorable Onah Chinedu Ogba, the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and a prominent figure from Abarigwe Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, clarified his stance on the ban. In a statement issued by his Media Special Assistant, Joshua Ebenyi, he emphasized that while he supports cultural traditions like masquerade displays, their presence in Okwo Market and major roads is disruptive and detrimental to trade.
The statement stressed that Okwo Market serves as a hub for commercial activities, welcoming people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and masquerade processions interfere with business operations, leading to unnecessary tension and injuries. As a result, masquerade displays in these areas are prohibited, and any violators will face legal consequences. Additionally, native doctors conducting rituals or spells within Okwo Market are urged to relocate their activities to avoid exacerbating tensions and causing harm to individuals.
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