Soludo mourns as building collapse kills five, 26 rescued in Anambra

Five persons have been confirmed dead and twenty-six rescued following the building collapse at Odu-Igbo market in Ochanja, Anambra State on Tuesday.

The Governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who visited the scene on Tuesday wept uncontrollably, describing the incident as very unfortunate.

He regretted that such happenstance was a result of infrastructural defect caused by using substandard materials in building houses, and reinstated his commitment to tackling illegal construction and impunity in the state.

Soludo who further revealed that twenty-six persons had been rescued, added that the state will henceforth undergo a comprehensive inventory of buildings in markets and public places to forestall further reoccurrence.

He said, "All buildings constructed without proper approval from the government will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets and public places.

"A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted. All markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences."

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety, vowing to eradicate the 'impunity and lawlessness' surrounding unauthorized constructions.

He further revealed the hospital bills of those receiving treatment at the hospitals would be undertaken by the government while consoling the families whose loved ones were involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Achanja market, Boneventure Mmuo, pledged to convey the Governor's message to all market dealers in the state.