A tragic incident occurred in Otolo-Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, on September 29, 2026, when a 25-year-old laborer, Bakeru Iwal, lost his life in a building collapse. The building was undergoing demolition when the structure suddenly caved in, trapping Iwal inside. The incident was confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command, which reported that Iwal was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the building collapse was unexpected, and the structure gave way while demolition operations were in progress. The Anambra State Police Command quickly responded to the scene, cordoning off the area to ensure public safety and allowing for a thorough investigation. The police began preliminary investigations, documenting the scene and transferring the victim's body to a mortuary for preservation and a post-mortem examination.
The Anambra State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a press release on September 30, 2026. Ikenga stated that the police had commenced an investigation into the building collapse, which would be carried out thoroughly and professionally to uncover the facts behind the incident. The investigation aims to identify any responsible parties and ensure that appropriate disciplinary or legal actions follow the findings.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. The police command has urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, with further updates to be provided as necessary. The incident has raised concerns about building safety and demolition practices in the region.
The body of the deceased, Bakeru Iwal, has been deposited in a mortuary for preservation, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. The police are working to determine the cause of the building collapse and identify any parties responsible for the incident.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of buildings and demolition practices in Anambra State. The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the collapse and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Anambra State Police Command has assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, and that updates will be provided as necessary. The incident is a reminder of the importance of ensuring building safety and following proper demolition procedures to prevent such tragedies.
Key points
- One person died in a building collapse during demolition in Anambra State, Nigeria on September 29, 2026.
- The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.
- The building collapse has raised concerns about building safety and demolition practices in the region.
