The Enugu State Police Command has taken a man into custody for possessing a firearm during a clash between two Odo Masquerade groups in Aku, located within the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the command, revealed in a statement that the clash, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the unfortunate death of one individual. Additionally, several others, including police personnel at the scene, sustained injuries.
The clash reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between the two masquerade groups regarding the timing of their respective festivals.
However, the police statement assured that peace has been restored and an inquiry into the cause of the confrontation has been initiated.
Ndukwe stated, “A male suspect has been apprehended, and a firearm has been confiscated from him in connection to the clash between rival groups in Aku community of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area during the Odo Masquerade festival on August 28, 2023, around 4pm. The incident resulted in the shooting and fatality of one male victim, along with injuries to others, including deployed police personnel working to quell the situation.”