Tree Falls, Kills 26 People In Imo

About 26 people are feared dead in Umudagu Mbieri village, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, when a big tree was uprooted by a wind storm during a heavy rainfall on Thursday night.

The giant tree, called Uko tree, is estimated to be about 300 meters tall.

An eyewitness who spoke to Channels Television said the tree which was located at the village market was said to have fallen during the evening market activities, resulting in the deaths and destruction of the village hall.

The Uko tree is said to have existed for over three centuries as was confirmed by some residents who narrated tales from their great grandfathers.

According to them, efforts to cut down the tree by youths in the village over the years were always resisted by the elders, who argued that the tree was not harmful.