Anambra State has been rocked by two separate building collapses within the space of a week, leaving one person dead and others feared trapped.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday, when a two-storey residential building on Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street in Onitsha North Local Government Area gave way around 9am Two occupants were pulled from the rubble alive, but one later died in the hospital.
Just two days later, on Thursday, a three-storey building still under construction collapsed behind the Anambra State House of Assembly, near Ekwueme Square in Okpuno-Awka.
The structure was at the roofing stage when it suddenly crumbled. At the time of this report, fears persist that some construction workers may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Confirming the Onitsha incident on Friday, Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Tony Nweze, stated that the collapse was likely due to regulatory violations or construction malpractice.
He assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
“This collapse may not be an isolated case,” Nweze said.
“We suspect regulatory breaches or poor construction practices. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted.”
The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that rescue operations were still ongoing as of Friday, in collaboration with emergency agencies.
“The tragic collapse at Akpaka GRA 33, Onitsha, resulted in two people being rescued. Sadly, one of them was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital. The second victim is responding well to treatment,” Ikenga said.
He added that the body of the deceased has been deposited for preservation and autopsy, and assured the public of continued efforts to ensure no victims remain trapped.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the command’s commitment to working with relevant agencies to prevent future collapses.
A resident, Osinachi Chukwudi, who witnessed the Onitsha collapse, described hearing two loud bangs before the structure gave way.
He confirmed that one victim was rescued immediately, while the second succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Meanwhile, in Awka, eyewitnesses described the second collapse as sudden and alarming, with the unfinished building falling “with a thunderous noise” and no prior signs of structural failure.
Panic ensued as locals feared workers were trapped beneath the debris.
Emergency responders are continuing search and rescue efforts at the site.
The incidents have raised fresh concerns over building standards and enforcement of regulations in Anambra State.
Residents and local authorities are calling for tighter oversight and stricter penalties for construction violations.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on rescuing any remaining victims and preventing further tragedies.
