GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has directed the Mayor of Owerri, Dr. Kachi Nwoga, to compile list and necessary information on the 50 victims of the fallen tree believed to have existed for 300 years before it fell on Thursday.
Okorocha, who gave the directive during his visit to the scene in the outskirts of Owerri metropolis, disclosed that financial and material assistance would be given to relatives of the deceased.
The governor, who was shocked by the level of devastation caused by the calamity, urged other communities in areas where similar trees are to cut them, regretting that information he gathered indicated that several demands and warning had been made by persons in the area to cut the tree.
He commended efforts of his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, Nwoga, security agencies and rescue team for their quick intervention.
The Guardian gathered that the stem of the tree known as Uko had decayed for long time, which was a reason the storm easily uprooted it.
When the incident happened, market men and women still trading. They were mostly affected. The tree buried many while a woman had lower part of her leg cut off. The woman is said to be in the hospital recuperating as at press time.
The Guardian