Ekpo Masquerade Killed in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

In a tragic event that sent ripples through Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, a cultural figure popularly referred to as Ekpo — a traditional masquerade — was reportedly knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run driver along the busy Nwaniba Road in the Use-Offot axis of the city. The incident, which occurred in December 2017, reignited debate around road safety, cultural practices, and community responses to unconventional tragedies. 

The victim, widely known among residents as an Ekpo masquerade, was part of a troupe engaging in the traditional performance that has deep cultural roots among the Ibibio, Annang, and Efik peoples of Southern Nigeria. Ekpo masquerades are not simply performers; they are believed by many to represent ancestral spirits and carry significant cultural and spiritual meaning. 

According to eyewitness accounts and reports from local media, the fatal crash occurred on a busy thoroughfare where the masquerade was interacting with motorists and bystanders — soliciting gifts or cash, a practice common in certain road-side displays. A driver, allegedly attempting to avoid another vehicle while traveling at high speed, lost control and struck several people, with the masked Ekpo figure bearing the brunt of the impact. 

Bystanders initially hesitated to approach the fallen masquerade, partly due to cultural beliefs about the spiritual nature of Ekpo, and partly out of shock. Some residents held back, expecting the masquerade to rise and continue its performance, given its traditional reputation. However, it became clear that the injuries were fatal, and the masquerade did not recover. 

Local authorities, including the state’s Commissioner for Information, confirmed that the appropriate agencies were notified to handle the aftermath, including evacuation of the body. Discussions in the community, however, were mixed — with some skepticism about official involvement and reporting, as certain authorities initially denied receiving formal notification of the incident. 

The event stirred conversations not only about traffic safety but also about the interface between tradition and modern urban life. Roads like Nwaniba, with heavy vehicular traffic and limited pedestrian safety infrastructure, have been points of concern for residents long before this incident. Critics argue that reckless driving and poor enforcement of speed limits contribute to needless loss of lives — whether everyday commuters or cultural performers. 

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the death of the Ekpo figure underscores the complexities surrounding traditional masquerade practices in contemporary settings. In recent years — including as of 2025 — there have been heightened tensions in Akwa Ibom State over masquerade activities. Authorities have taken measures to regulate or restrict unapproved street displays following incidents of violence, extortion, and public disturbance attributed to some masquerade groups. Police have arrested masquerade performers for breaches of public peace and unauthorized street appearances, citing security risks and public safety.