Some leaders of Umudagu have reacted on the fallen Uko tree that took many lives in Mbieri, Imo State recently. Speaking, Mazi Maurice Anyanwu the leader of the group said they wish to correct what they termed coordinated and unfounded reports by some segments of the media and the general public which seem to distort the issue of the Uko tree and its fall.
According to the Community Leader, Umudagu people are not idol worshippers hence they do not worship the Uko tree as erroneously reported in the media but that the people of Umudagu cherished the tree for its umbrella shading nature and as a rallying point in the village.
On the allegation that the Community had in the past refused to cut down the tree, the Community Leader and his group said they had approached the Mbaitoli Local Government Council to assist them cut down the tree in 1997 but was not given attention and wondered why anybody would accuse the Community Leaders of deliberately rejecting the cutting down of the tree because they worship it.
When Trumpeta spoke to another indigene of the Community on what the elders have said, the man who does not want his name mentioned said that the elders should make public the document showing that they had approached government to assist them cut down the tree, if they are to be taken serious. He asked, “What if that the tree was an obstacle to an individual who wanted to put up a building, will the person go to government to help him cut it?”
The man said that though the media may have exaggerated some of the matter; the elders of the Community may not have said all the truth concerning the tree which has put many families into mourning.
