By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A cloud of sorrow and reactions enveloped parts of Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday following the tragic death of a young masquerade allegedly hit by a moving tricycle (popularly known as Keke Napep) during the ongoing Imo Awka festival.
The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, reportedly involved a boy dressed in masquerade attire participating in the annual Imo Awka celebration — a prominent cultural festival in the city known for its rich display of traditional masquerades and ancestral rites.
Eyewitnesses said the young masquerade was hit by a Keke rider while parading on the road as part of the festivities, an unfortunate collision that led to severe injuries, particularly to the head, resulting in instant death.
Confirming this via a post and video from the scene of the incident shared on Sunday, a Facebook user, Iyke Orji, who was among the first to break the news, described the incident as heartbreaking. According to him, the masquerade’s head was crushed, and the entire atmosphere turned mournful immediately after the incident.
Tagged “Sad in Awka,” the post reads: “This afternoon in Awka, ‘Imo Awka’ masquerades were seen everywhere. One small boy masquerade was hit by a Keke napep and his head crushed. It was indeed a sad day.”
The unfortunate incident, has, however sparked off mixed reactions from residents and social media users, many of whom expressed grief over the incident and called for better safety precautions during such traditional events involving children.
While the identity of the victim had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report, several commenters also mocked the deceased, making joke of the incident and questioning how a masquerade could be said to be dead. Some others also call for hosting of such celebration at the village square instead of on roads.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, also gathered that there has also been casualty or tragic outcome associated with the Imo Awka Festival almost every year.
The Imo Awka festival, report says, is an age-long traditional celebration in Awka Kingdom, revered for its spiritual significance and believed to mark the symbolic return of ancestral spirits. The festival features various traditional rites, performances by different masquerade groups, and parades through major streets of the town, which usually holds on May every year.
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