Heavy Downpour Cause Havoc In Jattu Market As Trees Kills Five

…Edo govt condoles families of victims

By Simeon OSAJIE

At least about five persons have so far been confirmed dead while several others with degree of injuries are in hospital as a result of trees which fell in the popular Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State following a heavy downpour.

An eye witness disclosed that a woman and her less than a year old child were among the victims of the unfortunate incident saying the four ancient trees were completely uprooted as a result of the rain accompanied with thunder storm strike.

The traders took shelter under the trees believed to have been in existence for about 100 years after they had displayed their wares before windstorm wreaked havoc at the market with a large number of traders.

The Chairman of the Local Government Council, Mr. Marvellous Zibiri who confirmed the death to newsmen at the market revealed that the casualties would have been much if not for rain that may have prevented traders and other persons from coming to the market very early.

“During the rainfall four trees in the market fell simultaneously while people took cover under the trees thereby killing some persons and injured many others.

“So far, we have been able to recover some bodies and we have taken them to the mortuary while those who sustain injuries are at the hospital receiving treatment”.

He further added that rescue operation is still ongoing at the scene as the trees are being sawn down in pieces to confirm if they are other bodies under the trees.

The Chairman described the incident as tragedy and sympathized with the families who lost their love ones at the market.

Meanwhile, Edo State Government has sympathized with the families of the victims where lives were lost due to fallen trees caused by a heavy downpour in Jattu Market.

The incident is deeply saddening and the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Marvelous Omobayo Godwins, was in Jattu to commiserate with the victims and families affected by the very tragic incident.

According to the deputy governor, emergency response teams have since been deployed to manage the situation and provide support and assistance to those affected, while urgent steps are immediately being taken to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future as we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.