Worker dies after building collapses during Anambra demolition

A 25-year-old worker died on Tuesday after part of an old building collapsed during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, according to the state police command. The deceased was identified as Bakeru Iwal. Eyewitnesses and residents told Punch that Iwal was among the workers involved in demolishing the structure when a section suddenly gave way and trapped him beneath debris.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Wednesday. He said officers from the Otolo Divisional Headquarters responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. Police cordoned off the area and began preliminary investigations, Ikenga said.

Officers also documented the scene as part of efforts to establish how the incident occurred. Iwal’s body was evacuated to a mortuary for preservation, pending an autopsy and other necessary examinations, according to the police spokesperson. Ikenga said preliminary information indicated that the building was being demolished when part of the structure collapsed, trapping one of the workers.

The command did not provide further details about the demolition process or whether any safety concerns had been identified. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Ama, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly. He ordered that appropriate action be taken once investigators determine the circumstances of the death and whether anyone should bear responsibility.

The police urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary.