No fewer than five persons have been confirmed in a collapsed building at Odu-Igbo Market in the Ochanja area of Anambra State.

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, while addressing residents at the scene of the incident on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, disclosed that 26 people had been rescued and hospitalised while five persons died.

Soludo, who expressed sadness over the incident, said rescue efforts were ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.

The governor described the incident as tragic and an incident that was not supposed to happen, emphasising his commitment in tackling illegal constructions and impunity in Anambra State.

He revealed that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without Anambra State Government’s approval.

Anambra businessman dies watching Nigeria, South Africa match

Governor Soludo said: “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 of 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.”

Speaking, the Chairman of Ochanja Market, Bonaventure Mmuo, thanked Soludo for his prompt intervention, pledging to disseminate the governor’s message to all market leaders in the state.

The Star