In Onitsha, Anambra State, three individuals were rescued from the debris of a collapsed five-storey building on Basden Street.
The incident, occurring on a Sunday morning, follows closely on the heels of another tragedy less than three weeks ago when a three-storey building under construction collapsed at the Odu-Igbo section of Ochanja Market, claiming the lives of at least six people.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the latest incident and stated that security personnel were promptly dispatched to oversee the rescue operation at the site.
Ikenga said, “Immediately the incident was reported, the DPO in charge of the area quickly cordoned off the place and our DCP Ops is already on the ground to coordinate the rescue operation, which is ongoing.
“Yes, our operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations are there now, the area has been cordoned and rescue operations are ongoing, further details shall be communicated, please.
“The number of casualties or fatalities, if any, can’t be discussed now until the rescue operation is completed.”
When contacted, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Paul Odenigbo, who also confirmed the incident, told newsmen that there was no casualty and that three persons were trapped but had been rescued.
Asked about the cause of the building collapse, Odenigbo said, “That is what they are still working on. That is not known yet but there was no casualty. Three persons were trapped and they have been rescued. Once there is any further update, I will let you know.”
