By Nna Anulumadu
A block of shops under construction at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, has collapsed, trapping as many as five artisans.
The news of the collapse broke on Monday morning, with about 26 persons rescued from the rubble.
A source said the incident happened at about 8.00pm on Monday, while the State Fire Service Chief, Engr Martin Agbili, who confirmed the incident, said rescue operation was ongoing.
‘The building collapsed around Ochanja Market Area, Onitsha, at about 8.00pm of Monday 26-02-2024. There are some trapped individuals at the scene of the collapsed building. Rescue operation is currently ongoing,’ he had said.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has visited the scene, condoled with the victims, promised to tackle incidences of building collapse.
Addressing a large crowd at the scene of the incident, Soludo said: ‘The contractor at his own cost will come and pull down the illegal buildings he erected here. 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. We can’t afford to waste one life because of the greed of a few.’
The governor pledged to take care of the hospital bills of those receiving treatment in the hospital as a result of the collapse.
Member representing Onitsha South I in the Anambra State House of Assembly,Hon.Fred Ezenwa who lacked words to express his sadness over the incident called on the State Government to immediately swing into action with the aim of identifying the remote cause of the building Collapse.
He called on the bereaved families to take heart and await government investigation
The Chairman, Ochanja Central Market, Onitsha ,Chief Bonaventure Muo who was seen at the site of the incident expressed regret, adding that he lacked words to express his sadness.
Sir.Clifford Ilodiuba,a major stakeholder in the market urged Gov.Chukwuma Soludo to look into market leadership and how leaders are appointed, stressing that many buildings which were earlier marked for demolition in the market by Physical Planning Board since two years ago are still standing.
He said that the Governor has good intentions but lamented that some market leaders were sabotaging the efforts of the Governor.
It was, however, gathered that five bodies were retrieved from the debris of the collapsed structures Monday night, while seven injured survivors were rushed to nearby private hospitals.
On Tuesday afternoon ten dead bodies were retrieved by the rescue team as more rescue equipment arrived the scene.
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