A three-storey building under construction behind the Anambra State House of Assembly, off Ekwueme Square, Okpuno, Awka, collapsed on Thursday, leaving many feared trapped in the rubble.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:40 a.m., threw the area into panic as construction workers and passers-by were caught up in the collapse. Eyewitnesses said the structure, which had four suspended floors and was at the roofing stage, suddenly caved in without warning.
“The building made some noise before it went down while artisans were working on the roof. We can’t say how many workers were inside, but people were trapped,” one of the eyewitnesses said.
Rescue efforts were immediately hampered by lack of equipment, as bystanders and volunteers struggled to dig through the rubble while awaiting heavy-duty machines.
Officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the state’s materials testing department were seen at the site for preliminary investigations.
Chairman of COREN-ERM Anambra, Sir Victor Meju, who confirmed the incident, said the collapse was likely caused by poor concrete mixture and possible foundation failure.
“It was a five-storey building, with a sixth floor at the roofing stage. Our on-site findings suggest poor materials and structural weaknesses. Relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Housing and Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, have been notified,” Meju stated.
When contacted, Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he had yet to receive official information on the incident but promised to provide updates.
As of press time, the exact number of casualties remained unclear, while emergency officials continued to mobilise resources for proper rescue operations.
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