Three-Storey Building Collapses Near Anambra House of Assembly, Workers Feared Trapped

A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Thursday morning near the Anambra State House of Assembly in Awka, leaving several workers feared trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. at a site behind the Assembly, off Ekwueme Square in Okpuno, while workers were reportedly on the premises.

The building, which had reached the roofing stage and was intended to have six floors, suddenly gave way without warning. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents and passersby rushed to the site, attempting makeshift rescue efforts despite limited equipment and logistical challenges. One onlooker said, “The building collapsed this morning as some artisans were carrying out construction works on the roof. The collapse made some noise, and government officials arrived shortly after, but rescue efforts were delayed as they awaited excavators.”

Victor Meju, Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) – ERM Anambra State, confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest the collapse may have been caused by a poor concrete mixture and possible foundation issues. He added that the building was privately owned and had been roofed only last Thursday. Relevant state agencies, including the Ministry of Housing and the Awka Capital Territory Development Association, are on site coordinating rescue operations and monitoring the situation.

The exact number of casualties remains unknown as emergency services continue to work under challenging conditions. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the site to allow rescue teams to operate effectively.