Nnewi Building collapse: Only God can fill vacuum my dad, brothers’ death created – Survivor

By Praise Chinecherem

Obinna Anaefuna, son and elder brother to three victims of collapsed building in Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State weekend said he lost both a caregiver and playmates.

He said losing a beloved father and two younger brothers same day could be devastating.

The 48-year old father, late Pastor Chizoba Anaefuna, and two sons, Udoka and Uzochukwu, 13 and 9 years respectively, lost their lives when a storey building with a pent house collapsed on them while they were carrying out electrical work on September 2, 2023.

One person, however reportedly survived the incident after he was rescued from the rubbles of the structure under construction and rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

While some claimed Anaefuna was the contractor in-charge of the collapsed building, others close to the deceased, including family members, insisted he was a trained electrical engineer engaged to carry out electrical work in the ill-fated building.

Speaking at the burial of the father and brothers in their home in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of the State, Obinna said the ugly experience was more painful in view of the nature of the father’s death.

He prayed God to grant their soul eternal rest and fortitude for him and his younger ones to bear the loss, just as he believed God to fill the vacuum created by the departed father and siblings.

He said, “My father is a pastor, but also engaged in electrical engineering work. I’m not happy about his death because I have lost one taking care of me.

“It pained me the way he died because he didn’t die as pastors do. I pray their soul rest in peace. I hope God provides someone that will be taking care of me. On my younger brothers, I have to lost playmates.”

Earlier in his sermon, Evangelist Chimezie Nwankemmadu from the Ark of God Covenant Church, Nimo, reminded people that life on earth is transient, a reason for total repentance.

Relations, church members, friends, teachers as well as schoolmates present at the funeral to bid the deceased farewell and condole with the family said only God could explain reason behind the unfortunate incident.