Tragedy Strikes Awka as Young Masquerader Killed by Keke Rider Ahead of Imo Awka Festival

 

A sombre mood descended upon Awka, the capital of Anambra State, following a heart-wrenching tragedy that unfolded on Sunday during a pre-festival procession. A young boy, cloaked in full masquerade attire, lost his life after being struck by a commercial tricycle, commonly known as Keke NAPEP. The impact of the collision was fatal, with witnesses confirming that the boy’s head was crushed on the spot.

The heartbreaking incident occurred during early celebratory activities tied to the highly anticipated Imo Awka Festival. Held annually each May, the festival is a deeply rooted traditional ceremony in honour of the town’s deity, often represented by a monkey. Although the main festival dates are officially set from May 19 to 24 this year, preliminary street parades and cultural displays had already begun over the weekend.

Participants, largely composed of local youths, engaged in masquerading performances—a staple of the Imo Awka festivities. These often involve vibrant costumes, cane-wielding mock duels, and road occupations, partly to solicit financial gifts from passing motorists. Sadly, what began as a cultural showcase ended in unspeakable horror for one family and cast a shadow over the entire community.

Eyewitness accounts paint a disturbing picture of the moment tragedy struck. Mr. Iyke Orji, a local resident who witnessed the ordeal, shared his recollection with DAILY POST: “This afternoon in Awka, Imo, Awka masquerades were seen everywhere. One small boy (in a costume) masquerading was hit by a Keke NAPEP and his head was crushed. It was indeed a sad day.”

The tricycle operator responsible for the accident did not escape the wrath of the moment. Onlookers and local authorities at the scene quickly apprehended him, though the full extent of legal proceedings remains unclear as of reporting time.

The Imo Awka Festival, revered for its cultural and spiritual significance, has not been without controversy. Each year, as the town comes alive with ancestral pride, traditional performances, and spiritual rites, reports of violence, disorder, and sometimes fatalities emerge alongside the fanfare. This latest incident has once again ignited public discourse on the festival’s safety protocols and the appropriateness of certain practices, particularly those that place minors in high-risk roles.

Cultural scholars and community leaders have repeatedly called for reform, urging organizers to rethink the structure of the event in a way that honours tradition while safeguarding lives. Road processions involving children, especially those who may be unaware of road safety norms or who are hidden behind heavy masquerade costumes, are of particular concern.

Parents in the Awka community are increasingly voicing their fears. Many believe that cultural practices involving children need clearer boundaries, especially when public roads and unsupervised gatherings are involved. “This is not the first time such a thing is happening,” said a concerned mother who chose to remain anonymous. “We have to ask ourselves if the lives of our children are worth the spectacle.”

As preparations continue for the official start of the festival next week, local authorities are under pressure to tighten regulations and ensure that this year’s event does not witness further tragedies. Whether that will include age restrictions for participants, increased traffic controls, or designated performance zones away from vehicular routes remains to be seen.

The tragic loss of a young life—during what should have been a joyful cultural celebration—has become a clarion call. Awka now stands at a crossroads: to protect its heritage with wisdom, or risk the lives of its next generation in the name of tradition.