Mayhem as Tricycle crushes masquerade to death in Anambra 

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Cries and wailing enveloped the atmosphere during the yearly Imo Awka festival celebration held at the Anambra State capital, Awka, following the tragic death of a young masquerade allegedly crushed by a speeding tricycle ( Keke Napep).

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred in the afternoon, reportedly involved a boy who dressed in masquerade attire  and participated in the annual Imo Awka festival celebration, a prominent cultural heritage in the area known for its rich display of traditional masquerades and ancestral rites.

According to eyewitnesses the young masquerade was crushed by a Keke operator while parading on the road as part of the festivities, and unfortunately collided with the speeding tricycle that led to his instant death.

Sequel to the tragedy, all activities about the festival now have been halted and masquerades gradually disappeared except the dancing ones over fear of being arrested for continuing  to parade despite the tragedy.

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.

The identity of the victim had not been disclosed as at the time of filing this report, even as the deceased was still helpless to be taken to the morgue.

The Imo Awka festival, an age-long cultural heritage of the people, it was gathered, is revered for its spiritual significance and belief in 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, our correspondent gathered.