News

3 Dead as 100-Year-Old Deity Tree Falls in The Market in Enugu

Published

9 years ago

October 5, 2015

Three people reportedly lost their lives when a traditional tree that has been in existence for over 100 years fell at a busy market square in the Obolloafor community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, following heavy rainfall.
According to residents, the tree, known as Ukwakpa, was used as a deity which allegedly protected the community from harm and the minders must have failed to appease the gods of the land over a period of time, leading to the gods getting angry and exacting vengeance.
The Obolloafor Market, situated along Enugu-Makurdi Expressway, is said to be an outlet for Akatakpa Masquerades during festive period, but in recent times, the masquerades have hidden under the traditional culture to wreck havoc on the community and committing crimes, maiming, robbing and kidnappimg unsuspecting victims.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ebere Amaraizu, said the victims affected were a mother, her daughter and mechanic.
“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.”