One person has been declared dead in Onitsha as two separate buildings collapse in Anambra State within one week.
The first building collapse involved a a two-storey residential building at Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street, Onitsha North Local Government Area on Tuesday as two persons were trapped inside the resulting rubbles.
A three-storey building still under construction behind the Anambra State House of Assembly, near Ekwueme Square, Okpuno-Awka also collapsed two days later on Thursday.
Tony Nweze, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA confirmed the Tuesday incident stating that the said building has been cordoned off to forestall further causality.
He linked the incident to possible regulatory breaches or construction malpractice and promised a full investigation.
He said, “The collapse might not be an isolated incident. We blame possible regulatory breaches or construction malpractices for the incident.
”We have pledged a full investigation to determine the remote cause of the collapse. We assure the prosecution of anyone found culpable.”
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident to journalists on Friday explaining that efforts to rescue trapped workers is ongoing.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public of a tragic incident involving the collapse of a two-storey building at Akpaka GRA 33, Onitsha, on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, at about 9:00 a.m.
”Two people were rescued. Unfortunately, one of the recused victims was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty, while the other was stabilised and is responding to treatment. The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at the hospital for preservation and autopsy.
”Meanwhile, rescue efforts are still ongoing, and the Police Command, in collaboration with emergency agencies, is making every effort to ensure no other persons remain trapped under the debris.”