A 25-year-old man, identified as Bakeru Iwal, has died after part of a building collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Iwal, who was reportedly working at the site, was inside the structure when a section of the old building suddenly gave way on Tuesday.
Residents and eyewitnesses said the incident occurred while workers were carrying out demolition work, leaving Iwal trapped beneath the collapsed section.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday through its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga said officers from the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded to the scene after receiving the report, secured the area and began preliminary investigations.
He said the victim’s remains were recovered and taken to a mortuary, where they would be preserved pending an 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.”
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The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Ama, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
According to the police statement, the investigation is expected to determine what caused the incident and whether anyone should be held responsible.
“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.
The Anambra incident comes weeks after a similar building collapse was reported in Lagos State.
In September, one person died while two others were rescued when a two-storey building undergoing manual demolition collapsed in Aboru, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident occurred at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru.