AWKA, Nigeria (Sept. 25, 2025, BN24) — A three-storey building under construction collapsed Thursday morning in Anambra State’s capital, leaving rescue teams scrambling amid fears that construction workers may have been trapped in the rubble.
The structure, which had four suspended floors and was nearing completion at the roofing stage, was located behind the Anambra State House of Assembly, near Ekwueme Square in Okpuno Awka. Witnesses said the building suddenly gave way around 11:40 a.m., sending residents and passersby fleeing in panic.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that artisans were working on the roof when the building began making loud cracking noises before caving in entirely. “No one can say the cause of the collapse for now,” one resident said, adding that emergency responders were still waiting for excavators and other heavy equipment to begin rescue operations.
Officials from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the state’s material testing department quickly arrived at the scene. COREN’s state chairman, Sir Victor Meju, said preliminary investigations indicated a total vertical collapse caused by poor concrete mixtures and possible foundation defects.
“The building had just been roofed last Thursday. Our on-site review suggests structural weaknesses linked to substandard concrete and foundation problems,” Meju said.
The collapse sparked confusion as conflicting accounts emerged about possible casualties. Some residents feared construction workers were buried under the debris, while the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) issued a statement saying no one was trapped.
“While preliminary checks are ongoing, our officers on the ground have so far found no evidence to suggest that anyone was trapped,” ACTDA spokesperson Ukpa Ewa said. “We urge the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, as such actions create unnecessary panic.”
Anambra police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said he was not immediately aware of the incident but promised further updates. Meanwhile, bystanders attempted improvised rescue efforts before authorities cordoned off the site.
The collapse adds to Nigeria’s troubling record of building failures, many of which have been linked to poor construction practices, weak regulatory enforcement, and substandard materials. Authorities said a full investigation would be conducted while search-and-rescue teams continued to monitor the site.
Source: punchng.com
