No fewer than three persons were confirmed dead after a traditional tree used as a deity, fell after a heavy downpour at Obolloafor Market square, located along Enugu-Makurdi Expressway, in Udenu Local Government Area, of Nsukka, Enugu State.
The victims had been identified as a mother, her little daughter and a mechanic who were in the area when the tragedy struck.
According to Vanguard, the tree known as Ukwuakpa fell at the market renowned to be an outlet for Akatakpa masquerades during festive period.
Speaking about the unfortunate incident, an eyewitness revealed that there had been series of prayers at the traditional shrine.
The prayers, according to the unnamed witness, were organised due to the incessant attacks of masquerades on hapless residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu Police Command, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident said: “The incident occurred during a rainfall which killed a woman and her little baby, identified as Ijeoma Ojobor, and Chibueze Ojobor as well as a mechanic, also identified as Eze Romanus.
“The mechanic was taking his lunch in one of the shops around the tree when the tree fell. Some persons like one Obetta Ikechukwu, was seriously injured and was rushed by sympathizers to the hospital at Obolloafor where he is being treated.”
