Enugwu-Ukwu chief, Nworah reacts to violence during masquerade festival [VIDEO]

A member of the Igwe’s cabinet in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Uche Nworah has reacted to the incident of violence during the community’s masquerade festival.

The festival which happened on Boxing Day is an annual event, where masquerades assembly at the village square in a whipping contest.

This year’s event however ended in violence as fight broke out, while many spectators fell victim and were whipped by masquerades, leaving many injured.

A source in the community also added that as a result of the pandemonium that ensured, someone shot a gun into the air, aggravating the already tensed atmosphere.

But Nworah who clarified on the incident said: “His Royal Majesty, The Cabinet and Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu regret the surge experienced. Some mistakes were made and lessons were learnt.

“We will make it better in 2024. The town recognizes that the auditorium doesn’t contain the crowd anymore hence the decision at the cabinet meeting held in the morning of 26th December 2023 to explore expansion plans.

“The venue (Obu Umunri) witnessed unprecedented crowd leading to the crowd control issues experienced. Many forced their way into the auditorium which normally sits 5,000 people but we had at least over 7,000.”

Nworah added that the community is exploring partnerships to make the event bigger and safer in coming years, adding that Enugwu-Ukwu Nmonwu Festival is easily the biggest masquerade festival in the South-East.”