A man lost his life when a building collapsed in Otolo-Nnewi, located in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Reports indicate that the deceased, known as Bakeru Iwal, was one of the workers in the structure and was inside the building when it gave way during demolitions on Tuesday.
According to eyewitnesses and residents close to the scene, the building was in the process of being demolished when a section abruptly collapsed, trapping the deceased.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, verified the incident in a press statement issued on Wednesday.
Ikenga further stated that the deceased’s body had been moved to the mortuary for preservation, awaiting autopsy and other required examinations.
Ikenga noted that police operatives had quickly responded to the scene, secured the area, and begun preliminary investigations.
He said, “The 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.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters promptly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area, and commenced preliminary investigations.
“The scene was also documented, while the deceased, later identified as Bakeru Iwal, a 25-year-old male, was evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any person bears responsibility, with appropriate action to be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, while further updates will be provided as necessary,” the statement added.
