Four big trees fell on Monday at the popular Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government of Edo, killing four persons and injuring many others.

The trees came down following a storm and prolonged rainfall.

The chairman of the council, Marvellous Zibiri, confirmed the deaths of the persons while speaking to journalists at the market.

“At about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, I got a call from my vice chairman and the supervisory councillor for environment about the incident.

“During the rain, four trees in the market fell simultaneously while people took cover under the trees, thereby 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 sustain injuries are at the hospital for treatment,” Mr Zibiri said.

Mr Zibiri added that the rescue operation was still ongoing as the trees were being cut to confirm if other bodies were beneath them.

The chairman described the incident as tragic and sympathised with families who lost their loved ones at the market.

He, however, appealed to residents to stay indoors whenever it was raining.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had predicted thunderstorms and rains across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency urged the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds may precede the rains during the period.

(NAN)