By 9jaeye 
Tragedy Strikes Eggon Carnival in Nasarawa
A joyful cultural celebration in Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, turned into a scene of horror on Saturday when three runaway trucks rammed into the annual Eggon Carnival procession, leaving two dead and several others injured.
Chaos at the Scene
The incident occurred near Eggon Community Secondary School, a central location for the festivities. According to eyewitnesses, the trucks suddenly lost control and collided with the crowd, causing chaos and panic among attendees.
Two people were confirmed dead at the scene. One of the victims, a young woman named Miss Blessing, was attending the carnival with her family. The second victim was a senior man. Several others sustained injuries, ranging from fractures to cuts, and have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Victims and Injuries
Mr. Martins Akwashiki, a resident of Nasarawa Eggon, and the Chairman of the Carnival Planning Committee, struggled through the commotion while trying to assist victims. Medical teams quickly attended to the wounded, with some later transferred to larger hospitals for specialized care.
Organisers Cancel the Carnival
The tragedy prompted the organisers, Ame Wo Ba Eggon (AWBE), to cancel the 2025 Eggon Carnival. In a statement, the AWBE Board of Trustees expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. They emphasised that their priority is now to support the victims and ensure the injured receive proper medical attention.
Calls for Safety Measures
Community leaders and residents have called for a thorough investigation into how the trucks lost control and for stronger safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Many pointed out the importance of regulating vehicles around public and cultural events to protect participants.
Impact on the Cultural Event
The Eggon Carnival, a long-standing cultural event celebrated with music, dance, and traditional displays, usually attracts large crowds from Nasarawa and surrounding areas. Saturday’s tragedy has cast a shadow over what is typically a time of joy, highlighting the urgent need for better event safety protocols.
Authorities have assured the public that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and will take steps to prevent a recurrence. Meanwhile, the Nasarawa Eggon community mourns the loss of two of its members and hopes for a swift recovery for those injured.
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