Building collapse kills one in Anambra

A 25-year-old man has died when a building collapsed in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Bakeru Iwal, one of the workers in the structure, was inside the building when it caved in during demolitions on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses and residents near the scene said the building was being demolished when a section suddenly collapsed, trapping the deceased.

The Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a press statement on Wednesday.

Ikenga added that the body of the deceased had been evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.

Ikenga said police operatives had promptly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and had commenced preliminary investigations.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an incident involving the demolition of an old building at Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, where one person reportedly died following the collapse of part of the structure.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters promptly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and commenced preliminary investigations.

“The scene was also documented, while the deceased, later identified as Bakeru Iwal, a 25-year-old male, was evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.

“Preliminary information indicates that the building was being demolished when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping one of the workers.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any person bears responsibility, with appropriate action to be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, while further updates will be provided as necessary,” the statement added.

Recall that earlier in September, one person was killedwhile two others were rescued after a two-storey building undergoing manual demolition collapsed in the Aboru area of Lagos State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident occurred at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state. (Punch)