Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 13/Jan 21:32

Tensions as violent masquerade disrupts burial ceremony

Awgbu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State was thrown into chaos on Monday after a notorious masquerade, known locally as Agaba, violently disrupted a burial ceremony.The masquerade, described by residents as fiery and feared, typically appears only after 6pm when official ceremonies have ended due to its destructive tendencies. Its sudden appearance during the event sparked panic among attendees and passersby.Videos circulating on social media showed the masquerade attacking participants and destroying property. In one clip, it leapt onto the podium, smashing the public address system of the master of ceremonies, identified as Onowu, a native of the community. In another, it chased smaller masquerades, forcing them to flee in fear.Further footage showed the masquerade knocking down two motorcyclists, an elderly man and a younger rider, who reportedly hit their heads on a parked vehicle. Sources say the extent of the injuries is yet to be confirmed, though fears of a fatality circulated online.The incident has ignited heated debates on social media. Some criticized the master of ceremonies for confronting the masquerade instead of fleeing, while others condemned the violent act as cultural barbarism.Charles Ogbu, a Facebook user, called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ban the masquerade and punish those behind it, including its attendants who assisted in the attack. Others urged community leaders to restrain the masquerade in future events to prevent further destruction and threats to life.Meanwhile, another social media user, identifying himself as Jay, claimed that the masquerade and its attendants had been arrested. However, when contacted the Anambra State Police Command, spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said no such report had been received.As of now, it remains unclear how Awgbu community plans to manage future appearances of the Agaba masquerade, with residents calling for stronger controls to safeguard people and property.