It is another tragic day in Enugu as 11 persons have lost their lives to the fall of an ancestral tree in Awhum community in Udi local government area of the state.
The gigantic ancestral tree known locally as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum” was said to have toppled onto a commercial bus travelling through the community at about 8:45pm on Tuesday involving two vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna.
It was gathered that the 18-seater bus was fully loaded with passengers when the incident happened during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall which pulled many houses and trees down in many parts of the state.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the 18‑seater minibus was travelling from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the age-long giant tree suddenly cut off, falling on the vehicle and its occupants; crushing all of them.
However, when residents rushed to the scene to rescue the victims, it was learnt that all passengers were reportedly killed as a result of the impact.
In any case, Kingsley Okonkwo is a resident of the community. He told our reporter that the community is yet to come out from the tragic incident.
According to Mr. Okonkwo, though some branches of the tree have fallen out before now, none of such incident that match the magnitude of the recent one.
Asked why there was red and white clothes tied round the tree, Okonkwo told WITHIN NIGERIA that ” for some years now, many residents and even other non-residents started seeking spiritual powers and help from the tree. At one time or the other, some youths even suggested calling one power man of God to pray against evil powers that have been invoked into the tree, after which we use the services of a dolma to cut the tree down.
” But unfortunately, many people didn’t buy this idea and look at what it has resulted now.
” This is human lives we are talking about. This ugly incident could have been prevented but we chose to ignore it.”
Enugu Police confirm the incident
Confirming the incident on Wednesday afternoon, the Enugu state police command said only 11 persons lost their lives to the incident.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives attached to 9th Mile Division swiftly responded upon receiving distress call and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene.
In his words, “regrettably, the eleven other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.”
“Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles had conveyed passengers from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.
“They had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, collapsed on them.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the families of the deceased and the entire Awhum Community over the unfortunate incident.
“He further advises community leaders and residents across the State to regularly inspect and maintain large or aging trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies,” the PPRO further stated.