16 trapped as buildings collapse in Anambra; government summons developer

Two buildings collapsed on Wednesday in different locations in Anambra state.

While a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Amikwo, in Awka South local government areas, another two-storey building collapsed in Oko, in Orumba LGA.

Four persons out of the 20 said to be trapped in the two incidents were reportedly rescued as of the time of filing the report.

“The Awka building collapsed around 2am, falling on part of an occupied  two-storey building, trapping many,” an eyewitness said.

Officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority later denied public access to the site.

The Managing Director, ACTDA, Ven. Amaechi Okwuosa, said the Awka building had been under construction for the past 10 years and was marked for demolition in 2018.

“Although the developer had commenced demolition of the building, the right equipment was not used, hence the collapse,” Okwuosa said.

“Four persons have been rescued with varying degrees if injury.”

The Executive Chairman of Anambra Physical Planning Board, Chike Maduekwe, blamed the Oko incident on “compromise on structural integrity.”

He said the structure had been sealed, while the developer had been summoned to his office.