Soludo Storms Ochanja Building Collapse Site, Vows to Prosecute Developer, Others Found Culpable

By Our Reporter

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in Tuesday stormed the site of two storey building that collapsed on Monday night at Ọdụ Igbo, Ochanja market, Onitsha, promising to ensure that victims of the tragic structure get justice.

According to the official figure released by the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, six persons, were confirmed dead as at press time while 20 others were rescued from the collapsed building with various degrees of injuries.

However, a source close to the tragic incident claimed that only four persons lost their lives so far.

The source further disclosed that the collapsed building was a two storey Plaza with about 24 units.

Governor Soludo who was visibly angry from the incident disclosed that when investigations were completed, the developer, the Chairman of the market and every other person involved in the disaster would be prosecuted and jailed.
The governor instructed that the remaining building under construction by the same developer would be demolished after rescue operations on the site had been completed.

Soludo also instructed that any development in any market in Anambra State without his express approval would be demolished while every other existing building passed through integrity test.

Also, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche also mourned the victims of the collapse and assured the families that the state government will make sure that no one that was culpable in the disaster will go unpunished.

The Governor was joined on the visit by top government officials, where he ordered more excavators will be brought on the site of the collapse to help in the rescue operations.