Police Arrest Violent Masquerade Over Attack on Residents in Anambra Community
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of Agaba masquerade involved in a violent and unprovoked attack on residents of Awgbu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was taken into custody following widespread public outrage over a viral video showing the masquerade assaulting innocent citizens and disrupting public peace in the area.
According to the police, the actions of the masquerade constituted a serious breach of law and order and would not be tolerated under any guise, including cultural or traditional practices.
“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra and other concerned persons, that the Command has taken into custody the masquerade 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 statement read.
The Command described the conduct captured in the viral footage as unlawful and unacceptable, stressing that no individual or group has the right to inflict violence on others in the name of tradition or cultural expression.
“The behaviour of the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, is totally unacceptable, unlawful, and will not be tolerated under any guise,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesman disclosed that the suspect is currently being held in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have been involved in the incident.
He assured the public that the Command is committed to ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The arrest follows growing concerns among residents and social media users over the misuse of masquerade displays to harass, intimidate, and physically assault members of the public in some communities.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to report any acts of violence or unlawful conduct promptly.
Ikenga added that further updates on the matter would be communicated to the public as investigations progress.
The statement was dated January 14, 2026.
