A tragic incident cast a shadow over the upcoming Imo Awka Festival in Awka, Anambra State, as a young boy dressed as a masquerade was fatally crushed by a commercial tricycle (Keke NAPEP) on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The accident occurred in Imo Awka, along a busy road where masquerades were performing in anticipation of the festival, set to officially commence on May 19 and conclude on May 24, 2025. According to eyewitness Iyke Orji, the boy’s head was crushed, leading to his immediate death, marking the first reported casualty ahead of this year’s celebration. The tricycle driver was promptly apprehended by local authorities at the scene.
The Imo Awka Festival, a centuries-old cultural event honoring the Imoka deity, is a vibrant showcase of masquerades, music, and traditional performances, drawing locals and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. The festival, rooted in venerating the protective Imoka god, features events like the Ede-Mmuo, Ogwu Oghugha, and the Nro-Nta mock battle, alongside visits to the Imo-Oka stream. However, the annual celebration has been marred by recurring incidents of violence and fatalities, including cult-related clashes and accidents, raising persistent concerns about safety protocols.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with streets filled with masquerades and spectators when the accident occurred. “It was a sad day,” Orji told Daily Post, highlighting the festival’s cultural significance overshadowed by the tragedy. In previous years, the Anambra State Police implemented movement restrictions and increased security to curb festival-related incidents, but it remains unclear whether such measures were active this year. Posts on X expressed grief, with users like @igalacentric and @mr_cjayerus lamenting the loss and calling for improved safety.
The festival’s history includes similar tragedies, such as cult killings during the 2023 Imo Awka event and a 2021 incident where suspected cultists killed a tricycle operator leader in Awka. These incidents have fueled calls for stricter oversight of traditional practices and enhanced security to protect participants and spectators. The Anambra State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the latest incident, but past responses suggest investigations and arrests typically follow such events. As the 2025 festival approaches, stakeholders face mounting pressure to address safety concerns to prevent further loss of life during this culturally significant celebration.
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