Two die in collapsed six-storey building in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Two persons have been confirmed dead in a six-storey building that collapsed at Iman Street by Nse Ntip, by Aka Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Regional Manager at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Godwin Topikor who confirmed the causality figure on Sunday, September 18, 2022 in Uyo, added that one of the victims died during the collapse, while another out of the four rescued persons died in the hospital.

The six-storey building was said to have collapsed from the fourth-floor while still under construction.

Following the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Government has set up a panel of enquiry to look into the collapse while directing the Commissioner for Health to instantly take over the management of the survivors.

The Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong, stated this in a press statement on Sunday.

“Following the unfortunate incident of the collapse of a four-storey building on Iman Street off Aka Road in Uyo, our state capital, HE the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the collapsed building, while wishing the survivors a quick recovery.

“He has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately take over the management of the survivors.

“Consequently, the Governor has directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to immediately set up a Panel of an Inquiry to investigate the unfortunate incident.

“The panel is to conclude its work within one month, and if it is found that the collapse of the building was as a result of any acts of negligence or wrongdoing, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law.

“The governor also expressed his sincere appreciation to all the first responders, rescue and security agencies, government officials, voluntary organizations and all citizens who took part (especially the construction companies that donated their equipment) in the rescue operation which lasted many hours,” he said.