By Charles Maduka
Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, has condoled with the families of the 11 people who lost their lives after a massive tree fell on vehicles at Awhum village market square in Udi LGA.
The victims were said to have died when the tree collapsed on two commercial vehicles carrying passengers at about 8:45 pm on Tuesday.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, Daniel Ndukwe, the state police public relations officer, said the passengers had boarded the vehicles from Old Park in Enugu and were travelling to communities within the Awhum/Okpatu axis in Udi.
According to him, the vehicles — a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna — had stopped at the market square to drop off passengers when the tree suddenly fell on them.
Mamman Giwa, the commissioner of police in the state, described the incident as tragic and unfortunate. He sympathised with the families of the deceased and members of the Awhum community.
He also advised community leaders and residents across the state to take environmental safety seriously and ensure proper maintenance of trees, especially during the rainy season.
Residents of the area said four persons who survived the incident were rescued from the scene and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday night, the governor said he received the news with deep sadness.
“I received with a deep sense of grief the news of the tragic incident at Awhum Village/Market Square in Udi LGA of Enugu State on Wednesday, where a large tree fell on two vehicles, claiming eleven lives,” he wrote.
Mbah noted that the incident happened during a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds.
He extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State to the bereaved families and affected communities, and prayed for the peaceful rest of the departed souls.
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