Angry youths sack Anambra monarch as invited soldier shoots masquerade

By Ehi Ekhator

Anger took over the annual Afia Olu festival yesterday in Oko, Orumba North Local Government area of Anambra as one of the soldiers invited by the ruler of the community, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, to halt the youth from observing the festival ended up killing a masquerade.

According to the information gathered, the ruler of the community has earlier ordered that no masquerade should perform while the festival was going on, but didn’t go down well with the youth.

It was gathered that, out of anger, the youth confronted the invited solders and resulted in the bloody clash.

According to an eyewitness, the soldiers shot at the angry youth, killing one of the masquerades, while many others sustain injuries.

Not ready to give up, the angry youth reinforced and invaded the house of Igwe Ekwueme, set his vehicles and other belongings on fire.

Residents said the monarch was forced out of his palace and his whereabouts is yet to be known at the time of the report

The angry youth also mobilized to other town chiefs who they believe have sympathies for the king and burn their motorcycles, houses and properties.

When contacted over the issue, the Prsident General of the Community, Cyprian Nwanmuo confirmed that the soldiers shot at the youth but non of the youth died

He also said that the king was attacked and his properties including his house burnt down.

He added that the king ran to save his life. He revealed that the problem was a display of the problem concerning the community and the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu.

He said: ‘’Nobody is dead yet. Igwe banned masquerades but that small group against the community in the sponsorship of the ‘man’ went ahead and insisted masquerade must be part of the festival and fought the Army brought to maintain peace and order when police was overwhelmed.

“The soldiers defended themselves. They are burning Igwe’s palace now and his vehicles and Igwe has not been rescued but I have left for Awka now.”

A commander of Arms federal Polytechnic Oko, Nnolim Sunday told journalist (not NAIJA CENTER NEWS) he was in Ezira with the Rector when the crisis took place.

He said that The King should be held responsible for inviting soldiers to halt a festival that have been performed from immemorial.

He also expressed displeasure over the manner the Igwe has taken some issues affecting the community lately.

The new Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Jibrin Fagge confirmed the incident.

He said that investigation has started on the sissue and requested for time to gather information on the issue before making any further statement.

It is gathered that over 20 trucks of soldiers and policemen were seen moving into position in Oko.

It was revealed that many community leaders and youth have ran away for safety.

The Police Public Relation Officers, Emeka Chukwuemeka DSP who confirmed the report, said the policemen were in full control of the matter to avoid further damages.

Angry youths sack Anambra monarch as invited soldier shoots masquerade