Enugu LGA Bans Masquerades Over Attacks, Extortion

The authorities of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State have banned the activities of Akatakpa masquerades at Iheakpu-Awka for the entire year 2025.

This followed the brutalisation of a commuter from Kogi State, leading to the hospitalisation of the victim. The ban was contained in a release by the Chairman of the LGA, Barr Ferdinand Ukwueze, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

Entitled “Immediate Suspension of Activities of Akatakpa Masquerades at Iheakpu-Awka for the Year 2025”, the chairman cited the incident which occurred on Monday, the 18th day of August, 2025, at Ezzi, Iheakpu-Awka, where a commuter from Kogi State was brutalised by some Akatakpa masquerades.

He stated that after a review of the incident in consultation with relevant security agencies and traditional institutions, the ban became imperative as part of measures “to ensure that the Akatapka cultural practices are not used as covers to crimes, whether in Iheakpu-Awka or any other place within the local government”.

Quoting the release, “With effect from 19th August, 2025, all activities of Akatakpa Iheakpu-Awka are suspended for the year 2025. Unless any contrary directive is issued, any Akatakpa masquerade found operating within the boundaries of Iheakpu-Awka and its environs during the suspension shall be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

Bart Ukwueze stated that Igbo-Eze South remained committed to preserving the cultural and traditional heritages of her people. He, however, warned that “such must never be used for violence, intimidation or the abuse of the human rights of others”.