The usually peaceful community of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State was thrown into mourning on Wednesday as a masquerader killed a 35-year-old man, Chidubem Okoye, during the annual Ekwensu festival.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as a tragic and avoidable loss, saying that the masquerader, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, stabbed Okoye with a dagger during a procession.
According to sources, the victim, a father of two, was rushed to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, where he was confirmed dead.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the masquerader had been arrested and was being held in police custody.
Ikenga said, "The masquerader, who was under the influence of alcohol, stabbed the victim with a dagger during the festival. He has been arrested and is currently being held in our custody. We have commenced an investigation into the matter and will ensure that justice is served."
The community was in shock as news of the incident spread, with many describing Okoye as a peaceful and hardworking man who was loved by all.
A friend of the deceased, who preferred anonymity, said, "Chidubem was a good man, who always tried to make peace in the community. His death is a great loss to us all. He was a family man and a devoted father to his two children. We will miss him dearly."
The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, condemned the incident and promised to work with the police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Ezeilo said, "We are saddened by the loss of our son, Chidubem. We will do everything possible to ensure that the masquerader is punished for his actions. We will also work to prevent such incidents in the future."
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of masquerade festivals in the state, with many calling for greater security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Masquerade festivals are an integral part of Igbo culture and are usually celebrated with great fanfare. However, the incident has highlighted the need for greater caution and security measures to prevent such tragedies.
The Anambra State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as a senseless and avoidable loss.
In a statement, the state Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, said, "The government condemns the incident in its entirety and promises to work with the police to ensure that justice is served. We will also work to prevent such incidents in the future."
As the community mourns the loss of Okoye, many are calling for greater security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of alcohol in such festivals, with many calling for greater regulation to prevent such incidents.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, mourning the loss of a loved one and calling for justice to be served.
In the meantime, the family of the deceased has appealed for calm and urged the community to allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the need for greater caution and security measures during festivals and celebrations. As the community mourns the loss of Okoye, many are calling for greater action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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