A tricycle operator fatally struck and killed a young boy dressed as a masquerade in Awka, Anambra State, on Sunday, casting a shadow over preparations for the annual Imo Awka Festival. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was part of a group of youths parading the streets to herald the festival’s commencement when the accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses reported that the boy, clad in traditional regalia, was crushed by the tricycle (commonly called Keke NAPEP) during a procession marked by mock combat and road blockades—a customary practice where participants solicit monetary gifts from motorists. “His head was completely crushed. It was a tragic sight,” said resident Iyke Orji, who witnessed the incident.
Local authorities apprehended the tricycle driver at the scene, though the circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation. The Imo Awka Festival, a cultural event held every May to honor the town’s deity symbolized by a monkey, has historically been marred by fatalities linked to its spirited but chaotic pre-festival activities.
Scheduled to officially commence on May 19 and conclude on May 24, the festival’s blend of vibrant tradition and public processions has drawn criticism over recurring safety lapses. Residents have increasingly called for stricter regulations to prevent accidents and violence during the celebrations.
