TRADERS ESCAPE DEATH AS TRAILER OVERTURNS AT UMUAHIA TIMBER MARKET. (PHOTO).

 Traders Escape Death as Trailer Overturns at Umuahia Timber Market

A group of traders narrowly escaped death on Tuesday morning at the Timber Industrial Market in Umuahia when a trailer loaded with timber overturned while attempting to enter the market. The incident, which occurred around 11:28 AM, resulted in the destruction of tricycles and other properties, though no lives were lost, according to eyewitness reports.

Affected traders, including Mrs. Helen Onwuegbu and Oluchi Asoha, expressed gratitude for their survival despite significant losses. Speaking to our correspondent at the scene, they attributed the accident to the poor road network in the market, exacerbated by incessant flooding.

The President of Umuahia Timber Industrial Market, Sir Luke Anozie Ufomadu, also thanked God for the absence of casualties. He seized the opportunity to call on the Abia State Government to address the persistent erosion and flooding that have severely impacted access to the market’s entrances and roads, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles. “The problem is making it difficult for vehicles, especially heavy-duty ones, to operate seamlessly,” Ufomadu stated.

Ufomadu commended Governor Alex Otti for his infrastructural development efforts across the state and urged him to extend these improvements to the Timber Industrial Market. Similarly, Mr. Onyemechi Ndu, Chairman of the Building Material Section, expressed optimism that the governor would address the market’s dilapidated road network and damaged drainage system, which pose ongoing risks to operations.

The traders’ appeals highlight the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency at one of Umuahia’s key commercial hubs.