Tragedy Strikes Ahead of Imo Awka Festival as Masquerade Boy Crushed to Death by Tricycle

A tragic incident cast a shadow over Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday as a tricycle operator fatally struck a boy dressed as a masquerade, crushing his head and killing him instantly.

The unfortunate event occurred during early festivities linked to the forthcoming Imo Awka Festival, a revered annual cultural celebration held every May in honour of the town’s deity, traditionally symbolised by a monkey.

Eyewitnesses said the young victim, fully clad in masquerade attire, was part of a group of youths staging pre-festival street processions aimed at promoting the event.

These parades are typically characterised by traditional displays, including masquerade performances, cane duels, and road blockades as participants solicit monetary tokens from motorists.

One eyewitness, Mr. Iyke Orji, described the heartbreaking scene:
“This afternoon in Awka, Imo Awka masquerades were everywhere. One small boy masquerading was hit by a Keke NAPEP, and his head was crushed. It was indeed a sad day.”

The tricycle rider responsible for the fatal crash was immediately apprehended by local authorities at the scene.

Although the Imo Awka Festival holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the people of Awka, it has, in recent years, been overshadowed by incidents of violence and fatalities, raising public concerns over safety and the need to review some traditional practices.

This year’s festival is officially slated to commence on May 19 and conclude on May 24.