Awhum Tragedy: Worshippers trade blames over fall of ancestral tree in Enugu

ENUGU — Mixed reactions trailed the fall of an ancestral tree known as Akpu Awhum in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, which claimed several lives and left others injured on Tuesday evening

Christians and African traditional worshippers in the community have engaged in a war of words, trading accusations in a bid to absolve their respective faiths of responsibility for the tragic incident.

Christians and African traditional worshippers in the community have engaged in a war of words, trading accusations in a bid to absolve their respective faiths of responsibility for the tragic incident.

I don’t know if it was offended or desecrated to cause this level of harm. Elders and custodians of our cultural heritage are already in spiritual consultation to appease the tree,” he added.

Another community member, who identified himself as secretary of the traditional worshippers’ group, alleged that their group had been suppressed by the Christian community and denied freedom of worship.

He accused the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of causing the tree’s fall, claiming that a large candle was lit and hidden under the tree, where it burned for days before being discovered. He alleged that the heat caused internal damage that led to the collapse.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Nsukka, confirmed that 11 people died in the incident, while four others are receiving treatment.