A 25-year-old worker, identified as Bakeru Iwal, has died after part of an old building collapsed on him during demolition in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred while the deceased and other workers were reportedly engaged in the demolition of the structure. A section of the building suddenly caved in, trapping Iwal beneath the debris.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday through its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga said operatives of the Otolo Divisional Police Headquarters responded promptly after receiving information about the collapse.
According to him, the police cordoned off the area, documented the scene and commenced preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He added that the victim’s remains had been recovered and deposited at a mortuary pending autopsy and other necessary examinations.
The police spokesperson said preliminary findings indicated that the building was undergoing demolition when part of the structure suddenly collapsed and trapped one of the workers.
Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, had directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and thoroughly.
He said the investigation would determine the circumstances that led to the collapse and establish whether any individual would be held responsible.
The police command urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their duties, assuring that further information would be made available as the investigation progresses.
