Enugu State House of Assembly has set up an ad-hoc committee to come up with practical measures to regulate the activities of masquerades in the state.
This follows the abuse of a female nurse, Ms Blessing Ogbonna, by a group of masquerades in Ihe-Owerre, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
The setting up of the ad-hoc committee on Thursday in Enugu followed a motion moved by Mr Malachy Onyechi to address the abuse of human rights, threat to life, and destruction of properties by masquerades in Nsukka West Constituency.
Onyechi, representing Nsukka West constituency, noted that the menace of masquerade in his area was alarming, as many have either been injured or lost their lives in the process.
The lawmaker said that the recent abuse of Ogbonna had generated public condemnation and outcry from the people within and outside the state.
“Mr Speaker, my attention was brought to the case of a young nurse, Ms Blessing Ogbonna, who was assaulted by masquerades in Nsukka. The attack was vicious and left her hospitalised.
“I have reached out to her to assess the damage and offer my support. But this would not be the first time, as there abounds documentary evidence on violence by misguided masquerades and their followers.
“The seven masquerades were arrested and charged at a magistrate court in Nsukka for assault, extortion and blockade of federal road.
“This motion aims to harmonise practices, and rules of engagement in the practice of masquerade as part of cultural exhibition, entertainment or commercial purposes in a way that safeguard parties from abuse.
“This call for concern does not lose sight of situations where masquerade has been unjustly treated either by individuals, organised groups or security agencies.
“Therefore, this motion is not intended to witch-hunt anybody, or group but to harmonize systems and practices,” Onyechi said.
The lawmaker also condemned the act of blocking roads, thereby preventing workers like nurses on essential service from performing their duties.
Supporting the motion, Mr Pius Ezugwu, representing Nsukka East Constituency, revealed that the issue of masquerade had nearly caused conflict between two communities in his constituency