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| Scene where an ancient tree fell Thursday night, killing over 50. |
Over 50 people are feared dead and a yet to be ascertained number were critically injured when a tall tree known as Osisi Ukwu Uko, collapsed on buildings, as well as those transacting their business in a market located under the tree.
Saturday Vanguard gathered that the tragedy struck at Umudagu Mbieri,
Mbaitoli local council area of Imo State late Thursday night, following
a heavy down rain that was accompanied by a ferocious windstorm and
thunder.
It was also gathered that most of the victims were either traders,
who were selling their wares in the market, their customers, some
passers-by and others who were taking shelter in the town hall and the
surrounding houses.
A boy, who simply gave his name as Emeka, told Saturday Vanguard at
the scene of the ugly incident that “about 50 bodies had been removed
from the place”, adding that a woman whose leg was dismembered by the
fallen tree, had been taken to hospital where medical personnel were
battling to save her life.
The devastating rainstorm, which started at about 6pm on the fateful
day, continued through the night and spilled over to the morning hours
of Friday.
Some of the places damaged by the fallen tree included a segment the
market stalls, the town hall and some private buildings located close to
the tree.
No fewer than 11 more bodies, including a small girl, were dug out
from under the weight of the fallen tree before Vanguard left the scene
of the tragic incident yesterday, even as the youths were still digging
and combing the entire place for more bodies.
Lamenting over the ugly incident, the former state chairman of
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, whose
ancestral home is a shouting distance away from the scene said, “the
incident was most devastating and has thrown the entire community into
deep mourning”.
Continuing, Nlemigbo said: “The tree was a symbol of the community
and no living person in our community can fully narrate the history
attached to the tree. The tree had always been there until yesterday
(Thursday night)”.
While debunking the rumour now making the rounds that the tree had
fetish attachments to it, Chief Nlemigbo however expressed unhappiness
that some elders in the community had severally resisted earlier
arrangements to fell the tree.
A villager that gave his name as Amarachi Obumunonye blamed the
community’s elders for bluntly refusing initial plans to cut the tree.
He however recalled with grief that when some parts of the tree were
trimmed about 20 years ago, the two individuals engaged to execute the
job died unexpected after about a week, adding that this lent credence
to the belief that the gods residing in the tree had been angered.
Some villagers around the scene confirmed to Saturday Vanguard that a
middle aged mad woman had May 14, 2013, warned the traders, who usually
sold their wares close and under the tree to relocate or be prepared to
face unpleasant consequences but this was largely ignored.
Wailing and lamentations coming from very close relations and
sympathizers still enveloped the scene, while joint rescue operation
from Umudagu youths, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,
the Fire Service, policemen and men of the State Emergency Management
Agency led by the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Uche Ezeonyeasi, were still
working at press time.
C: vanguard
Sad indeed! But this seems to be one of the few complete reports of the tragic event.
ReplyDeleteShould it be true that a 'mad man' forewarned the traders about the tragedy, then indeed, God does not do anything without showing it to His prophets. It is only our understanding of whom a prophet it that determine our perception and belief.
Furthermore, attention should be placed on some mystics in Africa. Evils trees have been distroyed by storm and lightening in many African cities setting many captives free. The spiritual aspect of this event should be given more than a passing consideration.
Meanwhile, thanks for this high level of reportage.