Residents in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have condemned secondary school students who paraded in uniform with masquerades to celebrate their final SSCE exams over the weekend.
Residents who had chats with Kristina Reports on Saturday, June 27, 2026, via WhatsApp described the display as a sign of moral decline and cultural ignorance.
“It’s not a bad thing to celebrate such a feat but with masquerade. Do they even know what they are doing? I mean who raised these kids for God’s sake?” said Ibi-ngowari, an elderly woman in the community.
Ibi-ngowari said the students cannot be blamed alone. She also faulted parents and community members who cheered the procession.
“I don’t blame them, I blame the parents too. We have failed in raising these children properly. As they were parading, some women came out and were hailing them, even dancing shamelessly on the road with them. This is the height of it. It’s annoying.”
Another indigene, Abaku, called the act “disgraceful” and premature.
“I actually feel pity for them. Check well, some of them didn’t even write well. Some of them may not even pass the exams,” he said. “I expected them to go to their churches and thank God and pray for success, not this. This is ignorance and stupidity.”
The students were seen moving through parts of Okrika in school uniform alongside masquerade performers to mark the end of their final exams. Results from the 2026 SSCE are yet to be released.
The reactions add to an ongoing conversation in Wakirike communities about the use of masquerade institutions outside traditional rites, and the role of adults in guiding youth celebrations.