Six masquerades have been arrested at Okwor Ngbo market for allegedly beating people and defying a ban on parading themselves on market days. The arrests were made in response to complaints from market women and community leaders in the Ngbo area.
Community leaders had previously warned youths against using masquerades to harass and extort money from market women. Despite this, the banned activities continued, prompting the intervention of law enforcement.
Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Onah Chinedu Ogba, who led the enforcement of the ban, clarified that he is not against cultural displays but insists they should not interfere with market activities.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Joshua Ebenyi, Ogba stated that masquerades caught in Okwo Market or on major roads would face legal consequences. “Rt Hon Onah Chinedu Ogba, the Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State and an illustrious son of Abarigwe Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, has today expressed his ill feelings towards the constant parading of masquerades in Okwo Market and the major roads of Ngboejeogu, calling it a mayhem and a hindrance to successful trading in the market,” the statement read.
Ogba emphasized that cultural displays should be confined to village squares and playgrounds. “Okwo market is a place for the exchange of goods and services and hosts people from different places and cultural backgrounds. Masquerading distracts business activities and causes unnecessary tension, leading to serious injuries. Therefore, it should be stopped entirely,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker warned that any masquerade caught in the market area would face severe consequences, noting that such activities have been used by hoodlums to perpetrate violence. He also advised native doctors to relocate their activities from the market, warning that violators would face regretful consequences.
The community hopes these measures will restore order and ensure a safer environment for traders and visitors at Okwor Ngbo market.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Storms Venue of PDP Meeting With Governors Present
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable
16-Year-Old Maths Wizard, Olamide Aderibigbe Scores 336 Overall In UTME; Scores 98 in Maths