By Sarah Ezeh
A 25-year-old man, Bakeru Iwal, has died after a section of an old building he was helping to demolish collapsed on him at Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred when the building suddenly caved in during demolition, trapping Iwal under the debris.
Eyewitnesses and residents said Iwal was among the workers engaged in the demolition when part of the structure collapsed.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded promptly to the scene and commenced preliminary investigations.
Ikenga said the police cordoned off the area, documented the scene and evacuated the deceased’s body to a mortuary pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.
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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether anyone bears responsibility.
The CP further directed that appropriate action be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary.
Leave a Reply