The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed condolences to the families of the four individuals who lost their lives at Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government Area, after a thunderstorm.
The thunderstorm incident during rainfall caused trees to fall on the people in the market, leading to the death of four and injury of many others.
Those injured are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the area.
The governor, who called for caution, especially during the rainy season, said steps would be taken to ensure such tragedies were prevented in the future
In a statement on Tuesday, Obaseki said, “I received with a heavy heart the news of the unfortunate incident that occurred on Monday morning in Jattu Market, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State, where about four lives were allegedly lost due to fallen trees caused by a heavy downpour.
“The incident is deeply saddening, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by the very tragic incident.
“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.
“While we urge all residents to exercise utmost caution as the rainy season intensifies, we reassure you of sustained efforts and our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.”
The Chairman of the council, Marvellous Zibiri, on Monday, confirmed the deaths while speaking to journalists at the market.
“Between 8 am and 9 am on Monday, I got a call from my Vice Chairman and the Supervisory Councillor for Environment about the incident at the Jattu Market.
“During the rainfall, four trees in the market fell at the same time while people took cover under them, killing four persons and injuring many others.
“So far, we have been able to recover four bodies, and we have taken them to the mortuary, while those who sustained injuries are at the hospital responding to treatment,” Zibiri said.
He described the incident as a tragedy and sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones.
The council chairman also appealed to residents of the local government to stay indoors whenever it rained.
