Published
on September 17, 2022
A four-storey building under construction has collapsed at Iman street by Nse Ntip, off Aka road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
DRILOGIST gathered that the building, which was meant to be a six-storey hotel building, collapsed while on the fourth floor of its construction.
According to Effiong Bassey, a tricycle operator along Aka Nnung Udoe road, the incident happened at about 6:45pm on Saturday and most of those trapped under the weight of the concrete rubble were reportedly workers on the construction site.
Many people have been feared killed.
He said, “This incident happened at about 6:45pm today (Saturday) and people, mostly construction workers, are still trapped inside.”
The Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross Society in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Iniuma Okorodoh, who also confirmed the incident said about four victims have been rescued and taken to the hospital, adding that an excavator is still being expected to rescue those still trapped in the rubble.
According to him, “Yes I can confirm that there was an incident like that this evening. So far, volunteers who are on ground said four persons have been taken to the hospital and they are waiting for an excavator to rescue those trapped in the rubble. Those taken to the hospital are either wounded or unconscious.”
In the same vein, the Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, who also confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi had ordered deployment of officers to safeguard lives and property.
The PPRO who could not give an actual number of casualties promised to keep the people informed on development concerning the collapsed building.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm that we have received the report of a collapsed building. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a deployment to the area to ensure protection of lives and property. As we speak, we do not have the number of casualties, and we do not know the immediate and remote cause of the incident. However, I want to assure Akwa Ibom that we will keep them informed about developments”.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong in his verified facebook page, while giving an update about the incident said, “All critical rescue and security agencies (Police, DSS, Fire Service) are on ground with technical support from some construction Companies (JuliusBerger and Amitek).
“Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Bassey Okon and other Government officials are at the scene. Four persons were rescued and taken to the Hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing.”
