Anambra: Worker Dies Following Building Demolition Collapse in Nnewi

Tragedy struck in Otolo-Nnewi, located within the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a 25-year-old individual lost his life after a structure undergoing demolition caved in. Reports indicate that the casualty, identified as Bakeru Iwal, was among the labourers working on the site. He was reportedly inside the edifice on Tuesday when it suddenly gave way during the demolition process.

Onlookers and residents residing close to the incident site recounted that a portion of the building unexpectedly collapsed while it was being dismantled, tragically entangling the worker. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who serves as the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, verified these events in an official press release issued on Wednesday.

Ikenga further stated that the remains of the victim have since been transferred to the mortuary for proper preservation, awaiting a post-mortem examination and other essential forensic analyses. According to Ikenga, police personnel swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the vicinity, and initiated an initial inquiry into the matter.

SP Ikenga was quoted saying: “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.”

In a related development, CP Nnanna Ama, the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra State Command, has issued directives for the investigation to be carried out with utmost professionalism and thoroughness. This is aimed at ascertaining the full circumstances leading to the incident and to identify any individuals who may be held accountable, ensuring that appropriate legal steps are taken based on the findings. The police statement concluded by appealing to the public for calm, requesting that they allow the ongoing investigation to proceed without interference, with promises of further updates as they become available.

This incident brings to mind a similar tragedy that occurred in September, when a two-storey structure undergoing manual demolition in the Aboru area of Lagos State also collapsed. That event resulted in one fatality, though two other individuals were successfully rescued. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the Lagos incident took place at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, within the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos.