An ancient tree (believed by some to be a tree of the gods) fell on Thursday May 16th, killing over 50 people at Umudagu Mbieri,
Mbaitoli in Imo State. The Osisi Ukwu Uko, which has been in
existence for over 200 years, fell during heavy rainstorm around 8pm
Thursday night, collapsing on buildings, people selling their wares and
customers buying good in a market under the tree. Those who didn't die
lost body parts and are being treated at the hospital.
The size of the disaster was occasioned by the fact that under the tree is a location of a popular night market described as “Ukwu Uko market” meaning the market under the ‘Uko’ tree.
The market usually started at about 3pm everyday and terminated at about 9.30pm or 10pm.
The tree, had been a source of concern to the youths of the village who had repeatedly called for its removal to no avail. Elders of the community had described the tree as an ancestral landmark that should not be removed. May their souls rest in peace.
The size of the disaster was occasioned by the fact that under the tree is a location of a popular night market described as “Ukwu Uko market” meaning the market under the ‘Uko’ tree.
The market usually started at about 3pm everyday and terminated at about 9.30pm or 10pm.
The tree, had been a source of concern to the youths of the village who had repeatedly called for its removal to no avail. Elders of the community had described the tree as an ancestral landmark that should not be removed. May their souls rest in peace.
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