Building Collapse During Demolition Claims 25-Year-Old Worker in Nnewi

By Praise Chinecherem

A 25-year-old man, identified as Bakeru Iwal, has died after a section of an old building collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Iwal, who was reportedly one of the workers engaged in the demolition, was said to have been inside the structure when part of the building suddenly caved in, trapping him beneath the debris.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the deceased’s body had been recovered and deposited at a mortuary pending an autopsy and other necessary examinations.

Ikenga said police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded promptly after receiving a report of the incident.

“Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an incident involving the demolition of an old building at Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, where one person reportedly died following the collapse of part of the structure,” Ikenga said.

According to him, the police cordoned off the area, documented the scene and commenced preliminary investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

“Preliminary information indicates that the building was being demolished when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping one of the workers,” he added.

Ikenga said the deceased, later identified as Iwal, was 25 years old and had been evacuated to the mortuary for preservation pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, had directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The investigation will determine whether any person bears responsibility, with appropriate action to be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” Ikenga said.

The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, assuring that further updates would be provided as necessary.

#