A tree has fallen on a moving tricycle and a Toyota car in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, injuring victims, barely six weeks after another fallen tree killed a commercial motorcyclist in the city.
A tree fell on a moving tricycle and a Toyota car along Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, injuring at least two people, eyewitnesses said.
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The incident occurred Monday morning on Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo, about six weeks after PREMIUM TIMES reported that a falling tree killed a commercial motorcyclist on Abak Road in the city.
PREMIUM TIMES observed that the fallen tree was aging, and many other overgrown and aging trees whose branches extend to the road still lined Nsikak Eduok Avenue.
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An eyewitness, Rhema Bassey, said in a Facebook post that the tree fell as the tricycle was passing, hitting it and a car.
“On my way to work this incident happened. A tree planted by the side of the road fell and unfortunately hit the tricycle that was passing, along with another car,” Mr Bassey wrote in the Facebook post.
“But to the glory of God no life was lost even though they all had injuries.”
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Another witness told PREMIUM TIMES that the tricycle driver and another occupant sustained serious injuries and were unconscious immediately after the incident.
The passing Toyota car was also hit by the falling tree, according to the witness.
Recurrence after fatal incident
The incident comes on the heels of a fatal tree fall on Abak Road on 13 August.
A young commercial motorcyclist was reportedly killed after a tree fell on him opposite the Cultural Centre along Abak Road, Uyo.
The two incidents within weeks have raised safety concerns about roadside trees in Uyo, particularly whether potentially dangerous trees are being identified and removed before they pose a risk to road users.
Following Monday’s incident, PREMIUM TIMES contacted the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State, Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police for confirmation.
The newspaper also contacted the spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service, Emmanuel Michael, to confirm the incident and provide information on the condition of the victims.
Ms John and Mr Michael acknowledged the enquiries and promised to respond but had not responded by the time this report was filed.
The fire service is also responsible for responding to emergencies, including road accidents.
Government yet to explain measures
PREMIUM TIMES also contacted the Commissioner for Environment, Nsikak Ekong, and the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, seeking clarification on the recurring tree-fall incidents and measures being taken to prevent further casualties.
The two officials did not respond to calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages from our reporter.
The newspaper specifically asked the Ministry of Environment whether it was aware of the condition of the tree involved in Monday’s incident and whether any inspection, risk assessment, pruning or other maintenance had been carried out before it fell.
The ministry and the government of Akwa Ibom State were also asked what measures it took after the fatal 13 August incident to identify and address other potentially dangerous trees along major roads in Uyo.
PREMIUM TIMES sought clarification on which agency is responsible for inspecting, pruning and removing dangerous roadside trees in Uyo, how frequently such inspections are conducted, and whether the state maintains an inventory or risk assessment of aged, decaying or overhanging trees.
Our reporter further asked about budgetary provisions for forestry equipment.
Analysis of the 2025 budget shows that N200 million was approved for forestry equipment, including equipment for tree pruning and felling, while N400 million was provided in the 2026 budget for forestry equipment, including three tree-pruning/felling tractors and two pruning machines.
READ ALSO: Falling tree kills motorcyclist in Uyo, raising questions over government’s management of aged trees
The commissioner was asked why the 2025 provision was removed in the revised budget and whether the equipment provided for in the 2026 budget had been procured and deployed.
The ministry was also asked whether the government plans to conduct a city-wide safety audit of roadside trees, particularly along major roads such as Abak, Atiku, Idoro, Stadium, Nsikak Eduok and Aka Nung Udoe roads.
The questions were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
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