By Imoleayo Oyedeyi

The Anambra State Emergency Managing Agency says two people have so far been certified dead with three others sustaining injuries, following the collapse of a building in Amokpala, Orumba north LGA of the state on Sunday. 

Several persons were feared trapped after the three-storey building, which served as an off-campus hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, suddenly caved in.

Tochukuwu Ikenga, spokesman of the state’s police command, had said the incident occurred on Sunday night and that rescue operations were ongoing.

Addressing journalists in Awka on Monday, Ndidi Omega, acting executive secretary of the Anambra agency, said the people rescued so far have been taken to the hospital for treatment, while search and rescue operations will continue on Tuesday. 

“The rescue operation will continue tomorrow but at the end of today’s activity, two persons are confirmed dead and three injured,” she said. 

The state government has cordoned the site and launched a manhunt for the owner and manager of the hostel.

Chijioke Ojukwu, ‎commissioner for physical planning and urban development, told NAN that the government would commence integrity tests on buildings in the area.

He said preliminary findings showed that there were structural deficiencies on the collapsed structure that suggested failure, but rather than act on them, the owner of the building placed financial interest over lives and safety of occupants.

He said the premises would remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations.

Ojukwu said the government would soon make public an official policy position.

Source: TheCable