One Dead, Many Trapped In Akwa Ibom Collapsed Building

One person has been confirmed dead and many are trapped in a collapsed building located at 3 Iman street, Off Aka road in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

Naija News gathered that the sad incident occurred around 5pm on Saturday, while construction workers were working on the building.

It was learned that scores of victims rescued are in critical condition and being attended to at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

Speaking with The Nation, the state Commissioner for information and strategy, Iniobong Ememobong, said a body was recovered by a combined rescue team in the early hours of Sunday.

Ememobong said while rescue operations are still ongoing, it is believed that many are still trapped in the rubbles of the building.

He said: “The state government particularly Governor Udom Emmanuel is saddened by the tragic incident.

“When information on the collapse of the building reached us, the government immediately mobilized personnel and equipment to the scene of the incident and began rescue operations.

“As of 1am this morning (Sunday), one dead body was recovered from the rubbles of the building and the search for other victims is ongoing. At the appropriate time, the Governor will speak on the incident.”

Also reacting, the spokesman of the Akwa Ibom Police Command, Odiko Macdon, confirmed that one person died in the incident.

MacDon said police operatives were on the ground to provide security and orderliness which aided rescue operations.

He said: “The State Police Command led by the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi was on the ground to provide security and orderliness which aided rescue operations.

“We must commend the State Government and other rescue agencies for their timely response and the deployment of necessary resources to ensure the evacuation of victims of the unfortunate incident.”