27th February, 2024
By Monday Ajogun
Five people have been confirmed dead in a building collapse at Odu-Igbo Market, Ochanja, in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria on Tuesday.
Anambra Governor, Charles Soludo expressed sadness following the tragic building collapse.
Soludo, while addressing residents at the scene of the incident, on Tuesday, announced that 26 individuals had been rescued and hospitalized, while five persons died.
He said that rescue efforts were ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.
The governor described the incident as tragic and an incident that was not supposed to happen, as he emphasized his commitment in tackling the issue of illegal constructions and impunity in the state.
He revealed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government’s approval.
According to him, the contractor at his own cost would come and pull down the illegal buildings he erected.
“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 said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Mr Bonaventure Mmuo, thanked Soludo for his prompt intervention, pledging to disseminate the governor’s message to all market leaders in the state.