There was commotion after a masquerade identified as Uche set himself on fire while attempting to smoke cigarette in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state.
According to Orient Daily, the victim escaped being burnt to death because the interior of the masquerade outfit was made of metal, while another masquerade who tried to help douse the flame – was burnt in the process.
According to a member of the masquerade cult, it was gathered that the masquerades were parading to attend some funeral ceremonies in Ihuokpala village, Ekwulobia around 2pm when Uche who was carrying the “Otokolo” masquerade, distinguished by its tall stature, lit up a cigarette.
“Suddenly, fire from the cigarette caught on the raffia part of his masquerade and started burning. A smaller masquerade known as “Achikwu”, the raffia on his masquerade caught on the fire and started burning.”
The source said that before the good Samaritan could be extracted from his own masquerade, he had already received several degrees of fire burn. He was then taken to Civic Hospital, Ekwulobia where he is currently receiving treatment.