Chinedum Treasure
Two persons were on Thursday rescued while others are still trapped following a sudden collapse of a two-storey shop in Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses blamed the disaster on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised.
The rescue operation was ongoing, with emergency responders working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said two victims have so far been rescued while operations continued.
He said, “In response to a distress call today 4/7/2024 at about 12:40 pm of a building collapse at Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, Police Operatives have rescued two victims and taken them to the hospital for medical care.
“Meanwhile, on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives at the scene for on-the-spot assessment, the area has been cordoned off and rescue operations are still ongoing.”
Reacting, President General, Awka South Market Amalgamated Traders Union (ASMATU), Comrade Anayo Nweke said the building that collapsed was an uncompleted storey toilet facility and not shops as reported.
He said a 7-man committee has been constituted to ascertain the remote cause of the incident, with a deadline to submit its reports.
The contractor/Financier of the building, Engr Arinze Anyadiegwu dismissed the allegations of substandard materials allegations as sabotage by perceived enemies.
He insisted that the materials were quality and high standard.
He said, “The structure is an ongoing ultra-modern toilet with approval from LG allocation.
“I heard about the unfortunate incident from Lagos where I traveled after receiving an award from Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) on Saturday.
“I want to state categorically that we’ve been using quality standard materials. All the rods we used are 16mm.
“We have over 32 solid pillars with 5feet deep for such a small sized structure. It was well fortified.
“The situation was not out of mismanagement. That place was in contention with enemies who want to do the same thing we did.
“This is pure sabotage. I’ve built over 100 shops in the same market and non had any problem. I’m actually the highest financier of the market.”
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