In some parts of Enugu state, young teens are initiated into the masquerade cult as they tend to metamorphose into men.

In some parts of Enugu state, young teens are initiated into the masquerade cult as they tend to metamorphose into men.

Any man, regardless of his age who is yet to be initiated into the masquerade cult is not different from a woman,

thus such men are considered as we.aklings, and would likely face intimi.dation from initiates and masquerades.

Such men are not spared from the whip.s of the masquerade.

Most times, the masquerade derive special joy from chasing and whi.pping such men, until they get fed up and join the cul.t.

It is important to note that no matter how hot tempered one is,

it is a taboo in Igbo land to fi.ght a masquerade.

In fact, such uchu( crime) is considered a male uchu – a serious uchu that causes a rift between the living and the d.ead.

Young men who join the cult are exposed to sc.ary things of the night and are made to conquer their fears.

The young men are warned strictly to not share their experience with women and non-initiates, lest ‘Ogbulabali’ the god who ki.lls at night visits them.

This practice is still waxing strong in Enugu state despite the introduction of Western Civilization and Christianity.

Most Enugu men when confronted with dre.adful things hits their chest and boast about not being scared of anything since they have met face to face with the spirits of the ancestors.