Yesterday, a two-storey building at Eke Amawbia Market in Awka, Anambra State, collapsed around noon, sparking panic and fears of multiple casualties.

Witnesses blamed substandard construction for the collapse, alleging compromised structural integrity.

This incident adds to a growing list of building collapses in Anambra State in 2024, causing widespread concern.

In February, another building collapse at Ochanja Market killed five people and injured 26. This structure, being built by the state government, was a two-storey building.

The collapse led to criticism of Governor Soludo’s administration, especially since the law mandates confiscation of land where buildings collapse.

Governor Soludo expressed sadness over the incident and blamed a private developer for constructing the building without government approval.

He pledged to tackle illegal constructions and ordered a comprehensive review of buildings in markets and public areas.

In March, another building collapse in the Fegge area of Onitsha occurred, involving a five-storey structure, but fortunately, there were no casualties.

The state’s Physical Planning Board Chairman, Chike Maduekwe, revealed the building was approved for three storeys, but the developer added two more floors.

In May, a five-floor building funded by Dennis Memorial Grammar School’s Old Boys Association collapsed, trapping workers. The building was for the school’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The incident raised questions about the government’s and the Anglican Church’s accountability, leading to the establishment of a committee to investigate the collapses.

However, the committee’s composition faced political disputes, with the Anglican Church rejecting two members for perceived bias.

The Church called for their removal to ensure a fair investigation, praising the governor’s initiative but questioning the panel’s effectiveness.

Locals criticized the government’s inconsistent enforcement of the building collapse law, suggesting political motivations behind the panel’s formation.

An anonymous source supported the Church’s rejection, arguing the panel lacked practical expertise in construction material analysis.

The panel received testimonies indicating potential flaws in the market stall construction, with a local official revealing that the building plan was altered from a one-storey to a two-storey design.