Six people lost their lives when a two-storey building collapsed at the Odu-Igbo Market in Ochanja, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Monday.
Allub Times learned that the building, which was still under construction and intended to be a market, collapsed around 6:41 p.m. while workers and traders were still inside.
An official from the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ifeoma Ani, visited the scene on Tuesday and confirmed that six people had died in the collapse. Additionally, over 20 individuals who were rescued with various injuries are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
“About six bodies recovered from the rubble have been deposited at the morgue, while those who sustained varying degrees of injuries were taken to the nearby hospital for medical attention. Rescue efforts are still ongoing,” the SEMA officials said.
While SEMA officials reported six casualties, traders and residents near the market claimed that more than 10 bodies had been found in the debris and some people were still trapped. Rescue efforts were still underway at the time of this report.
Witnesses stated that the building made a loud noise before collapsing, causing panic in the market area.
A source said, “There was a thunderous noise around the building in the evening, and after some time, it collapsed. The building caved in while some of the workers were on the roof, constructing the parapet.
“The building also served as a place where some traders displayed their wares. Some of the workers were still inside the building. As of the last count, over 10 bodies had been recovered, while others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
“Some people were rescued but later died before getting to the hospital.”
After the devastating building collapse, the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, visited the site on Tuesday and conducted an emergency assessment on the spot.
Speaking to the people at the scene, the visibly upset governor expressed deep sadness about the incident, calling it “tragic and something that should never have happened.”
Soludo mentioned that 26 individuals had been rescued and taken to the hospital, while five people had died. Rescue operations were still ongoing to find those who were still trapped under the debris. He also stated that he was unaware that the building was being constructed at the market.
The governor stressed his dedication to addressing the problem of illegal construction and lawlessness in the state. He revealed that the collapsed building was built by a private developer without government approval.
He said, “The contractor, at his own cost, will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here. 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.
“A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted.
“Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures, and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences.”
The governor stressed the need to prioritize public safety and promised to eliminate the “impunity and lawlessness” related to unauthorized construction.
Additionally, he announced that the government will cover the hospital expenses of those receiving treatment and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We can’t afford to waste one life because of the greed of a few. When investigations are completed, the developer, the chairman of the market, and every other person involved in the disaster will be prosecuted and jailed.
“The remaining building under construction by the same developer, near the collapsed one, will be demolished immediately after rescue operations on the site have been completed,” the governor added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, expressed her condolences for the victims of the collapse. She assured the families that the state government would ensure that anyone responsible for the disaster would face consequences.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Bonaventure Mmuo, promised to relay the governor’s message to all market leaders in the state.
Mmuo, speaking to journalists at the scene, revealed that the building’s construction began three months ago by a private developer under a Public-Private Partnership.
A trader in the market, who identified herself as Ebere, said, “My husband and I sell food items in the market. I did not come to the market yesterday because of the Monday sit-at-home, but my husband was at the market. When I heard about the incident, I rushed to the scene in search of him, but as I speak now, I have yet to find him.”
At this time, the official cause of the building collapse has not been determined. Some believe it was due to the use of substandard materials, while others think it was caused by rushing the job.
