A worker has died after an old building partially collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 29, while the structure was being demolished. A section of the building reportedly collapsed and trapped Bakeru Iwal, one of the workers involved in the demolition.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30.
Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said officers attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded after receiving information about the collapse.
According to him, the officers cordoned off the area and commenced preliminary investigations, which established that the victim, Iwal, was a 25-year-old man.
He said the victim’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation pending an autopsy and other necessary examinations.
“Preliminary information indicates that the building was being demolished when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping one of the workers,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, had directed that the investigation be conducted “professionally and thoroughly” to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said the investigation would also determine whether anyone should be held responsible, adding that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, while further updates will be provided as necessary,” Ikenga said.
