The building collapse at the Oduigbo sector of Ochanja Market in Onitsha South Local Government Area killed five people, according to reports.
Following Platinum Times report on Tuesday, Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo visited the scene of the disaster and expressed his condolences to the victims of the mishap.
Our correspondent learned that three of the five buildings under construction at the market fell on Monday evening, trapping several individuals beneath the wreckage.
So far, 26 people have been rescued, with five fatalities confirmed.
While addressing the audience, Governor Soludo recalled that he had directed that no store be built in any market in the state without the Physical Planning Board’s consent and his signature.
Governor Soludo, who was extremely distressed, expressed condolences to the victims and their families and promised to help those affected by the accident.
He emphasized that such an instance is an example of the impunity that his government is working hard to eliminate, warning developers not to build without an approved plan.
The Governor further stated that due to the contractor’s recklessness in building without a plan, after the search and rescue attempts, the contractor would be required to remove all of the rubble at his own expense, in addition to facing the full wrath of the law.
He also pledged to work with relevant authorities to ensure that such an unfortunate incident does not happen again, adding that his administration will inventory all of the state’s markets while warning that similar ongoing illegal structures in Ose, Ogbo-Ogwu, and elsewhere will be demolished.
Efforts to rescue individuals still trapped under the rubble continue hours after the disaster occurred. Emergency personnel are sifting through the wreckage to retrieve people and collect remains from the collapsed structure.
Some survivors were taken to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
The incident has now caused public uproar in the neighborhood, with residents raising concerns about the safety of city structures.
While reacting, several people called for a probe into the structural integrity of the city’s buildings, as well as stricter safety measures.
The governor acknowledged the public’s concerns and offered to form a committee to thoroughly investigate the situation, assuring citizens that the government would take the necessary actions to ensure that the city’s structures are safe for habitation.
He asked the public to be calm and support the ongoing rescue efforts, saluting the bravery of emergency personnel who risked their lives to save others and encouraging them to keep up the excellent work.
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