Anambra State has been thrown into mourning and concern after recording two separate cases of building collapse within the space of one week. One person was confirmed dead in Onitsha, while another collapse in Awka has sparked fears of more victims trapped.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday at Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street, Onitsha North Local Government Area, when a two-storey residential building suddenly caved in, trapping two occupants. Both were pulled from the rubble and rushed to the hospital, but one later died.
A resident, Osinachi Chukwudi, who witnessed the tragedy, recalled hearing two heavy sounds before the structure gave way. He said one of the victims was rescued quickly and survived, while the second, though initially alive, later died in the hospital.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Tony Nweze, said the site had been sealed off to prevent further casualties. He linked the collapse to possible regulatory breaches and construction malpractice, pledging that a full investigation would be carried out.
“The collapse might not be an isolated incident. We blame possible regulatory breaches or construction malpractices. We assure the prosecution of anyone found culpable,” Nweze said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident, noting that rescue operations were immediately launched in collaboration with emergency agencies.
In a statement, Ikenga said, “Two people were rescued. Unfortunately, one of the victims was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty, while the other was stabilised and is responding to treatment. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital for preservation and autopsy.”
He added that Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had condoled with the bereaved family and assured the public that the command was working with relevant agencies to prevent future tragedies.
Barely two days later, on Thursday, another collapse was reported in Awka. The three-storey building, still under construction behind the Anambra State House of Assembly near Ekwueme Square, caved in at the roofing stage.
Eyewitnesses described the collapse as sudden and thunderous, sending shockwaves across the neighborhood amid fears that some construction workers may have been trapped beneath the rubble.
Emergency workers and police rushed to the scene as rescue efforts continued late into the evening.
The two incidents have reignited debate over building standards and safety compliance in Anambra State, with many residents calling for stricter enforcement of construction regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
