Scores trapped as building collapses in Niger

Several people were trapped when a one-storey building collapsed in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

Emergency officials swiftly responded to the scene on Friday, May 17, successfully rescuing seven individuals who are currently receiving treatment at the Minna General Hospital.

The collapsed building is situated in the popular New Market Area of Minna.

As of this report, manual evacuation of the debris has begun, and authorities have announced that machinery will be mobilized quickly to aid in rescuing those still trapped.

The immediate cause of the building collapse remains unknown.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing.

Bako Ismail, General Manager of the Niger State Urban Development Board, disclosed that the building had been illegally converted into a storey building.

He claimed that the board had made several attempts to halt the illegal conversion.

In a separate incident on Monday, February 26, a structural failure at a building under construction in Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State, resulted in many traders and customers being trapped beneath the debris. The collapse occurred around 5 p.m., a busy time for the market.

Residents report that many of those trapped might have perished, though an official statement from relevant government agencies or the state government is awaited.

The majority of the trapped victims are reportedly women, along with some construction workers who were still on-site during the collapse.

The building in question is a large three-story structure with numerous shop spaces. Videos from the scene show ongoing rescue efforts, with individuals working to extricate those trapped beneath the rubble.

The incident highlights the importance of adhering to construction safety standards and ensuring prompt emergency response measures to prevent such tragic events.

It remains unclear if the Nigeria Police Force responded promptly to assist in rescue efforts, as security personnel in the southeastern region have been on high alert due to safety concerns.