*Report trigger concerns on large trees at markets in various communities
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that occurred on 17th February 2026 at about 2045hrs in Awhum Community, Udi Local Government Area of the State.
According to SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), “the incident involved a large tree that fell at the Awhum Village/Market Square on two vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan, killing eleven (11) passengers.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives attached to 9th Mile Division swiftly responded and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene.
“Regrettably, the eleven other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles had conveyed passengers from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.
“They had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, collapsed on them.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the families of the deceased and the entire Awhum Community over the unfortunate incident.
“He further advises community leaders and residents across the State to regularly inspect and maintain large or aging trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies”.
The incident triggered concerns in various communities where similar large trees, serving as shrines, stand either in the middle of community markets or by the side of such markets.
There was one of such large trees at Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, known as Eke Usu, which had inhabited thousands of bats, but fell in the dead of the night several years ago, inflicting no casualties on anybody or property.
As at filing this report, such large trees could be found in various community markets in Enugu State, raising serious concerns for such to be immediately cut down by the traditional rulers and Town Unions.
