There was palpable grief in Umudagwu Mberi in
Mbatoili Local Government Area of Imo State when a strong wind uprooted an
ancient Iroko tree that was around 300-year-old. It is speculated that around 21
people who were buying and selling under it died.Bodies recovered from the rubble
of the fallen tree include elderly women, men and children, some of whom were
at the evening market, known as Ukwu Uku Market, to either transact business or
assist their relations to pack their goods, mainly food stuff, as it was about
to rain.The bodies of an Okada rider known as Agada Ogwu and his wife, whom he
came to assist to take her goods home, were recovered from beneath the ground.
The tragedy occurred about 7.50pm. Eye-witnesses stated that
the heavy wind followed by rain and thunder forcefully brought down the old
tree.
