…One person confirmed dead, three injured
Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed building at Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, vowing to enforce tougher building regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary findings point to structural failure and announced that the site would remain closed pending a comprehensive investigation.
He warned that owners of defective or unapproved buildings would face sanctions, while ongoing construction projects across the state would be subjected to stricter inspections.
Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said experts had begun technical investigations to determine the exact cause of the collapse, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said emergency medical teams and ambulances responded swiftly, while the Mayor of Orumba North, Rtd. Cpt. Casmir Nwafor, commended the coordinated rescue efforts and urged strict compliance with building safety regulations.
Eyewitnesses said the building, reportedly occupied by Federal Polytechnic Oko students, collapsed around 10 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and fled.
One person died, while three injured victims are receiving treatment at COOUTH and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko.
Officials of NEMA, SEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Anambra State Fire Service, and COREN participated in rescue and assessment operations.
Tags:
Anambra, Oko Building Collapse, Building Safety, COOUTH, NEMA
