Residents of Atimbo in Calabar, Cross River State, have appealed to the state government to urgently address the recurring issue of falling trees during rainstorms, which they say have been damaging properties, including homes and vehicles.
Their concerns follow recent incidents, including the destruction of a Nissan Xterra Jeep by a falling tree. In a separate tragedy in 2024, a tree collapsed onto a minibus along the Muritala Muhammed Highway, claiming the life of a university lecturer.
A witness, Mr Samuel Ekpenyong, recounted how a tree fell during Monday evening’s storm, severely damaging a resident’s car. “She was calling for the gate to be opened when the tree suddenly came down. Thankfully, she wasn’t inside the vehicle, but the damage is significant,” he said.
Miss Ikaete Livinus, another resident, lamented that complaints about ageing trees in the city have not been addressed. “In late 2024, a similar storm left Calabar without power for days as fallen trees brought down electrical installations and blocked major roads,” she noted, stressing the need for proactive measures.
In response, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Moses Osogi, expressed sympathy to victims and urged residents to avoid parking under trees during storms.
He stated that the government is already working to tackle the issue. “There is a dedicated unit in the Ministry of Environment responsible for identifying and cutting down old trees. Residents should report suspect trees to the ministry for assessment and action,” he said.
(NAN)