The government of Anambra State has declared a 19-year-old man named Ifechukwu Nweke wanted for the alleged murder of a 71-year-old man, Shedrack Okoye, during a masquerade incident in Umuawulu community.
Okoye was punched to death after he reportedly refused to give money to Nweke while masquerading. The incident, which occurred on December 26, 2023, has prompted a serious response from the State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, emphasizing that masquerading should be about fun and entertainment, not violence.
Despite efforts by the deceased’s family to seek justice, including reporting the matter to the police and the traditional ruler of Umuawulu, the culprit remains at large. The deceased’s son, Chidubem, recounted the events leading to his father’s death, alleging that the masquerader, identified as Ifechukwu, fled the community after the incident.
Meanwhile, the traditional ruler has banned masquerading in Umuawulu indefinitely and initiated a committee to facilitate peace between the families involved and plan a dignified burial for the deceased.
IMAGE: Adomonline
