Building Collapse Kills Five At Anambra Market

 Scene of the collapsed building in Onitsha, Anambra State on Monday. 

At least, five persons died on Tuesday following the tragic collapse of a building  under construction at Odu-Igbo Market in Ochanja, Anambra State. 

News Rider reports that the building meant to serve as a market upon completion, collapsed at about 8 pm on Monday, with some workers inside the building.

To this end, 26 victims had been rescued so far and rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment. 

Addressing residents at the scene of the incident on Tuesday, Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo described the building collapse as tragic. 

He stated that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.

While lamenting that the incident was avoidable, he assured his commitment in tackling the issue of illegal construction and impunity in the state.

He informed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government’s approval.

Soludo insisted that the contractor will pull  down the illegal buildings erected within the market at his own cost.

“They are all going to come down. My government did not approve of this building. We will redesign this area and build it properly.

“All buildings constructed without proper approval will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets,” he added. 

The Chairman of Ochanja Market, Mr Bonaventure Mmuo appreciated Soludo for his prompt intervention, pledging to disseminate the governor’s message to all market leaders in the state.