‘Okada’ Rider Runs Into Felled Tree, Dies On The Spot

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Tragedy struck along the Cultural Centre axis of Abak Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when a commercial motorcyclist popularly known as ‘Okada’ ran into a felled tree that allegedly took his life.

According eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred in the morning hour of Thursday, 13th August , 2026 as the victim, said to be a young man, was riding his motorcycle on the road to make ends meet, unsuspecting of the danger ahead.

Although the identity of the deceased could not be known immediately but his lifeless body and the motorcycle he rode were taken away by his fellow colleagues who besieged the scene, our Correspondent gathered on visiting the scene.

“It’s very sad that the young man who left his house this morning in search of his daily bread is later found dead by a tree that fell on him while riding on the road. This community is very sad by the incident.

“We all need God in our lives because it can happen anytime. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult moment. One of eyewitnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

“This unfortunate incident is also a reminder for relevant authorities to inspect and properly manage trees along major roads, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and storms, to help prevent avoidable tragedies,” another said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John said the Command was aware of the in the incident though not aware of the life loss.

“The Command is aware of the incident. On 13th August, 2026, at about 9:30 am, patrol operatives observed a fallen tree obstructing part of Abak Road by the Cultural Centre, Uyo. Preliminary information indicated that an unidentified motorcyclist rode into the fallen tree and sustained injuries. However, the victim and motorcycle were not found at the scene,” DSP John responded.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Environment in the state or any other officer were unsuccessful due to poor network connectivity.