The governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has expressed deep shock over the death of about 15 persons killed by a big tree that fell down yesterday at Umudagu, Mbieri, Mbaitoli LGA.
The governor who visited the area while rescue operation was still ongoing, said he swiftly directed relevant agencies for prompt rescue operation on receiving information of the incident.
He described the incident as a natural disaster and wondered why the community resisted efforts made to cut down the tree before it claimed scores of lives, warning that people should desist from dwelling on superstitious belief which he said negates sound sense of reasoning.
Gov. Okorocha, however, directed the mayor of Owerri, Dr. Kachi Nwoga to make available to his office the necessary information in respect to the victims as government plans to give succor to the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate disaster.
He also called on communities that have similar trees to cut them down to avoid the reoccurrence of the said incident.
