Scores of traders at the Amobi Plastic Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, narrowly escaped death when a portion of a five-storey building.
The building adjacent to Korea Plaza collapsed on Friday around 9 am, following 40 minutes of vibration.
Speaking to reporters on the development on Saturday, Onitsha team leader of COREN-ERM, Engr. Collins Oputa stressed the need of involving qualified engineering professionals in all construction projects.
He also underscored the necessity of government approval as well as expertise of licensed engineers for safe construction practices.
He urged residents to engage licensed engineering professionals to mitigate the risk of building failures, emphasising the role of COREN in ensuring that safety standards are met.
“Forensic investigations are ongoing, with the collapse site cordoned off to facilitate the process.
“The COREN-ERM team has sealed the collapse site and issued notices to supervising engineers of nearby ongoing projects to submit their designs for scrutiny.
“In collaboration with the Anambra state Government, COREN aims to eliminate quackery and prevent future collapses, aligning with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision for a secure and prosperous homeland.
Oputa who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Onitsha branch urged residents to support COREN’s efforts to safeguard lives and property through rigorous engineering standards and oversight.
While the team collected debris samples for forensic analysis to determine the cause of the collapse, traders on the scene expressed gratitude for the swift discovery, urging authorities to take urgent action to prevent future disasters.
