TYLA'S LAGOS CONCERT SPARKS INTENSE DEBATE AMID RENEWED XENOPHOBIA CONCERNS. (PHOTO).
By Ruth Orji
The Anambra State Government has sealed the collapsed three-storey building at Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of planning regulations and safe construction practices.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary investigations indicated structural failure and announced the site's closure pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
Barr. Ojukwu warned that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant buildings would face sanctions, adding that ongoing construction projects across the state would undergo stricter monitoring and inspections.
Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical experts had commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the collapse, assuring that recommendations would strengthen building control and prevent future incidents.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said medical personnel and ambulances were immediately deployed, while the Ministry of Health collaborated with emergency agencies to provide prompt medical care for affected victims.
Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Cpt. Casmir Nwafor, commended the government's swift intervention and urged developers, institutions, and residents to comply strictly with approved building regulations and safety standards.
An eyewitness, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba, said the building, reportedly occupied by Federal Polytechnic Oko students, collapsed around 10:00 p.m. after occupants noticed cracking sounds and evacuated before the incident.
Officials of NEMA, SEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society,
Anambra State Fire Service, and COREN participated in rescue operations, security, and preliminary technical assessments at the scene.
One fatality was confirmed, while three injured victims received treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and St. Michael's Hospital, Oko, as rescue operations continued.
More photos below.
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