By Ifeoma Ejiofor
A 25-year-old man has been confirmed dead following a building collapse in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The deceased, identified as Bakeru Iwal, one of the workers in the structure was said to be inside the building when it caved in.
Sources claimed that the building was being demolished when a section suddenly collapsed, trapping the deceased.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra State Command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP)who confirmed the incident, said the body of the deceased had been evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.
He said, “Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an incident involving the demolition of an old building at Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, where one person reportedly died following the collapse of part of the structure.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters promptly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and commenced preliminary investigations.
“The scene was also documented, while the deceased, later identified as Bakeru Iwal, a 25-year-old male, was evacuated to the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.” He said.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama(CP) has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At the time of filing this report, security operatives have sealed up the site of the building collapse.