At least five people are reported dead in a building collapse in Awka, Anambra state on Wednesday.
The uncompleted three-storey building located near the temporary site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University site was said to be under construction when it collapsed.
The incident was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ali Okechukwu, who said he heard about the incident informally but was yet to be briefed by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Area Command under whose jurisdiction the collapse occurred.
An eyewitness who identified himself as Nwafor said he was walking along the building’s location when he heard a loud noise and took to his heels.
He blamed the building collapse on use of sub-standard building materials and unprofessional workmanship.
Furthermore, he stated that an adjacent edifice to the collapsed building which was being handled by the same contractor was showing serious signs of defect.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra was said to have banned the construction of multi-story buildings in the state in 2014.