Worker dies as Anambra demolition goes wrong

Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

A 25-year-old worker, Bakeru Iwal, has died after a section of an old building he was helping to demolish collapsed on him in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the building, which was being demolished, suddenly caved in, trapping Iwal under the debris.

Eyewitnesses and residents near the scene said the deceased was one of the workers involved in the demolition when the section of the structure collapsed.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded promptly to the scene and commenced preliminary investigations.

Ikenga said the area was cordoned off and the scene documented, while the deceased’s body was evacuated to the mortuary pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.

He said, “The 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.

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“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.

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

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any person bears responsibility.

The CP ordered that appropriate action be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“The command urges members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, while further updates will be provided as necessary,” the statement added.