A tragic incident has marred the buildup to the annual Imo Awka Festival in Awka, Anambra State, as a masquerade was fatally struck by a tricycle, commonly known as Keke NAPEP, on Sunday.
The accident occurred while the masquerade was parading along a busy road.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tricycle ran into the masquerade, crushing his head and leading to his immediate death. The tricycle driver was reportedly taken into custody following the incident.
“One masquerade was hit by a Keke NAPEP on Sunday, and his head was crushed. It was indeed a sad development,” an eyewitness stated.
The Imo Awka Festival, known for drawing large crowds from across Nigeria and beyond, is scheduled to officially kick off on May 19, with festivities culminating on May 24.
In previous years, the police enforced traffic restrictions during the week-long celebration, which sees masquerades performing in public spaces.
However, it remains uncertain whether similar safety measures have been instituted this year.
This latest fatality adds to a string of unfortunate incidents that have plagued past editions of the festival, once again spotlighting concerns over public safety during the highly anticipated cultural event.