A tree has fallen on a moving tricycle and a Toyota car in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The incident occurred on Monday morning on Nsikak Eduok Avenue. At least two people were injured. Eyewitnesses said the tricycle driver and another occupant sustained serious injuries. They were unconscious immediately after the incident. The car was also hit. It comes barely six weeks after another fallen tree killed a commercial motorcyclist in the city.
Uyo has a problem with ageing roadside trees. Many are overgrown. Their branches extend over roads. In August, a tree fell on Abak Road and killed a young commercial motorcyclist opposite the Cultural Centre. The incident raised questions about tree maintenance. The state government did not explain what measures it took afterwards. The latest incident suggests those measures were inadequate or absent.
An eyewitness, Rhema Bassey, described the scene. “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.” He said no life was lost, though there were injuries.
The fallen tree was aging. Many other overgrown trees still line Nsikak Eduok Avenue. The police and fire service were contacted. They acknowledged the enquiries but did not respond before publication. The Commissioner for Environment and the Commissioner for Information did not respond to calls, text messages or WhatsApp messages.
The 2025 budget approved ₦200 million for forestry equipment, including tree pruning and felling equipment. The 2026 budget provided ₦400 million for forestry equipment, including three tree-pruning tractors and two pruning machines. It is unclear whether the equipment was procured or deployed. The 2025 provision was removed in the revised budget. The ministry has not explained why.
Winners: No winners. The injured victims, the tricycle owner and the car owner all lose. Losers: The injured, who face recovery. The tricycle and car owners, whose vehicles are damaged. Road users, who face continued risk. The state government, whose maintenance failures are exposed. Taxpayers, whose money was budgeted but may not have been spent.
Bottom Line: Two tree falls in six weeks. One killed. One injured. The budget exists. The equipment may not. Uyo’s roadside trees are a hazard. The government must act before the next fall.