•Photos from the scene of the Onitsha building collapse
Anambra State has recorded two separate cases of building collapse this week, with one person confirmed dead in Onitsha and another incident reported in Awka.
The first collapse occurred on Tuesday when a two-storey residential building at Prince Chinedu Akwuaka Street, Onitsha North Local Government Area, caved in, trapping two occupants, reports The PUNCH.
Both were rescued and taken to the hospital, but one later died.
Just two days later, yesterday, a three-storey building still under construction behind the Anambra State House of Assembly, near Ekwueme Square, Okpuno-Awka, also collapsed.
At press time, it was feared that some workers may have been trapped in the rubble.
Confirming Tuesday’s tragedy to journalists today, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Tony Nweze, said the site had been cordoned off to prevent further casualties.
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.”
A resident, Osinachi Chukwudi, who witnessed the collapse, recounted hearing two heavy sounds before the building gave way.
He said one victim was rescued quickly and survived, while the second, who was pulled out alive, died later in the hospital.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident to our correspondent today, saying rescue operations were ongoing.
Ikenga said 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.
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.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had condoled with the family of the deceased and assured residents of the command’s commitment to safety while working with relevant agencies to prevent future collapses.
Yesterday’s separate incident at Okpuno Awka, where a building at the roofing stage suddenly caved in, caused panic amid fears that workers were trapped in the rubble.
Eyewitnesses said the structure collapsed with a thunderous sound and without warning signs.
