Residents of Atimbo in Calabar are urging the Cross River State government to urgently address the growing hazard of aging trees collapsing during rainstorms. This follows recent incidents where large trees, weakened by age and storms, have destroyed vehicles and property.
One notable event occurred during a heavy storm on Monday evening, when a tree fell and crushed a parked Nissan Xterra Jeep. Although the owner was not inside at the time, the vehicle suffered severe damage.
Locals recall similar past tragedies, including a fatal incident in 2024 when a tree fell on a minibus along Muritala Muhammed Highway, killing a University of Calabar lecturer. Miss Ikaete Livinus, a resident, highlighted the broader damage caused by untrimmed trees — from destroyed power infrastructure to blocked roads and prolonged blackouts in late 2024.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, expressed sympathy for those affected and said the government is working through a specialized unit to identify and remove hazardous trees. He also advised residents to avoid parking under or near trees during storms and to report any tree they suspect could fall to the Ministry of Environment.
