A tragic and bizarre incident has shaken the residents of Awka, Anambra State, where a popular masquerade performer was crushed to death by a tricycle (Keke Napep) during a cultural event. The fatal collision occurred on Monday, May 13, 2025, near the bustling Eke-Awka roundabout, throwing the community into mourning and confusion.
Eyewitnesses say the masquerade, adorned in full regalia, was participating in a traditional procession when he suddenly strayed into the main road. A speeding commercial Keke, attempting to navigate through the crowd, failed to stop in time and rammed into the performer with brutal force, killing him instantly.
Shocked onlookers quickly gathered at the scene as the masquerade lay motionless, his elaborate costume torn and bloodied. Attempts to revive him failed, and he was later pronounced dead by emergency responders. The tricycle driver reportedly fled the scene immediately, abandoning his vehicle as tension escalated.
The tragic event has ignited heated discussions about public safety, cultural festival coordination, and the role of traditional masquerades in modern traffic-prone settings. Many residents blamed poor crowd control and the absence of traffic marshals during the cultural display for the accident.
Some traditionalists believe the death of a masquerade in public view is a spiritual taboo that could require cleansing rituals. Elders from the local community have reportedly summoned cultural custodians for an emergency meeting to address both the spiritual and social implications of the incident.
Police authorities in Awka have confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. The Keke driver is currently being sought and may face charges of reckless driving and manslaughter once apprehended. Officers have also called for restraint from members of the public to avoid reprisal attacks.
As cultural festivals continue to gain popularity across Nigeria, experts are calling for improved regulation, proper security planning, and strict traffic enforcement to ensure such avoidable tragedies do not reoccur.
