Falling tree injures people and damages vehicles in Uyo
A falling tree struck a moving tricycle and a Toyota car along Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo, injuring at least two people, according to eyewitnesses cited by PREMIUM TIMES. The incident occurred about six weeks after another tree killed a commercial motorcyclist in the Akwa Ibom capital, prompting renewed concern over roadside tree safety.
At least two people were injured in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a tree fell on a moving tricycle and a Toyota car along Nsikak Eduok Avenue on Monday, according to eyewitnesses cited by PREMIUM TIMES. One witness, Rhema Bassey, said the tree fell as the tricycle was passing and also hit the car. He said no one was killed, although people involved in the incident sustained injuries.
Another witness told the newspaper that the tricycle driver and another occupant suffered serious injuries and were unconscious immediately afterwards. The report did not provide an official account of their condition. The incident happened roughly six weeks after a separate tree fall on Abak Road killed a commercial motorcyclist.
That fatal incident occurred on 13 August, opposite the Cultural Centre in Uyo, according to the report. PREMIUM TIMES said it observed that the tree involved in Monday’s incident was ageing. It also reported that other overgrown or ageing trees with branches extending over roads remained along Nsikak Eduok Avenue.
The newspaper contacted Akwa Ibom police spokesperson Timfon John and Fire Service spokesperson Emmanuel Michael for confirmation and information about the victims. Both acknowledged the enquiries but had not responded when the report was filed. Commissioner for Environment Nsikak Ekong and Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah also did not respond to calls, text messages or WhatsApp messages seeking clarification about the recurring incidents and government action.
The questions included whether the tree had been inspected, pruned or assessed before it fell, which agency is responsible for dangerous roadside trees, and whether the state has a city-wide inventory or risk assessment. PREMIUM TIMES also asked about budgeted forestry equipment. Its report said N200 million was approved for such equipment in the 2025 budget and N400 million in the 2026 budget, but officials did not clarify whether the equipment had been acquired or deployed.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.