25-Year-Old Worker Dies as Building Collapses During Demolition in Anambra

A 25-year-old man identified as Bakeru Iwal has died after part of a building collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Iwal, who was reportedly one of the workers at the site, was inside the structure when a section of the building suddenly caved in on Tuesday, trapping him beneath the debris.

Residents and eyewitnesses said the building was being demolished when the collapse occurred.

The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement.

Ikenga said police operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and began preliminary investigations.

“Preliminary information indicates that the building was being demolished when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping one of the workers,” Ikenga said.

He said the victim’s body was evacuated to a mortuary for preservation pending an autopsy and other necessary examinations.

The police spokesman added that the scene had been documented as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly to determine what led to the collapse and whether anyone bears responsibility.

The police command urged members of the public to remain calm while the investigation continues, promising to provide further updates.

The incident comes weeks after a separate building collapse in Lagos, where one person was killed and two others were rescued after a two-storey building undergoing manual demolition collapsed in the Aboru area of the state.