Five persons died while 26 others were rescued after a building collapsed at Odu-Igbo Market in Ochanja, Anambra State.
The state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who visited the scene on Tuesday, said that rescue operations are still in progress.
While speaking to the crowd gathered at the site, Soludo expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it as “tragic” and emphasizing that it could have been prevented.
The governor announced that 26 individuals have been rescued and hospitalized, while five fatalities were recorded.
He added that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.
Soludo reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue of illegal constructions and impunity in the state.
He further revealed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government approval.
“The contractor at his own cost will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here.
“They are all going to come down. My government did not approve 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,” he added.
The governor stressed the importance of prioritizing public safety, vowing to eradicate “the impunity and lawlessness” surrounding unauthorized construction.
