Mourners Flee Burial Ceremony as Masquerades Chase Women, Strangers

• A sudden gunshot at an Otukpo burial ceremony sent women and visiting strangers fleeing the scene.
• Local traditions forbid women and outsiders from witnessing masquerade performances, which are believed to affect female fertility.
• The gunshot signaled the start of sacred rites, reinforcing community customs and preserving cultural heritage.

Chaos erupted at a burial ceremony in Otukpo, Benue State on Saturday, March 1, 2025, when a sudden gunshot sent women and visiting strangers fleeing the scene.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the event, held to mark the final rites of a prominent Idoma traditionalist, featured performances by local masquerades—a customary element of such ceremonies in the community.

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According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was revered as a “masquerade man,” longstanding tradition forbids women and outsiders from witnessing masquerade performances. Local belief holds that viewing these displays could hinder a woman’s fertility.

During the ceremony, the vibrant masquerade performances took an unexpected turn when a gunshot rang out, triggering an immediate evacuation.

“The moment we heard the gunshot, everyone, especially the women, ran for safety,” recounted a mourner who preferred to remain anonymous.

The gunshot signaled the commencement of sacred rituals, prompting women and visiting strangers to swiftly leave the scene.

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Community leaders continue to uphold these practices, believing they preserve the sanctity of their cultural heritage.

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