Metro

Many Feared Trapped As Two-storey Building Collapses In Anambra

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2025

There was palpable tension along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, the Anambra State capital, when a two-storey building, still under construction suddenly caved in.

It was gathered that the structure, located near the CBN building in Awka and beside Diamond Pizza, opposite Five Star Restaurant was at it’s roofing stage before it collapsed late on Wednesday, while some construction workers were still working at the site.

Eyewitnesses near the scene said the structure suddenly caved in without any prior sign, adding that the number of workers trapped could not be ascertained yet.

The cause of the collapse and casualty figure has yet to be ascertained, but some officials from the materials testing department of the state’s Ministry of Housing had arrived the scene.

This is just as bystanders and other passers-by have initiated some rescue efforts in a bid to see if anyone trapped can be rescued.

The PUNCH correspondent who visited the scene, gathered that some workers have been rescued from the rubbles by officers of the State Fire Service who arrived the area shortly after the incident.

It was a chaotic situation at the scene as bystanders struggled for one thing or the other at the scene.

One of the eyewitnesses at the scene said, “The building collapsed this evening(Wednesday) as some artisans were carrying out some construction works at the roof of the structure.

“It was a two-storey building still under construction at it’s roofing stage. Although, the building made some noise as it was collapsing while some construction workers were at the site. No one can say the cause of the collapse for now, but some government officials arrived the scene shortly after and rescue efforts have begun.”

The Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who conformed the development when contacted, said police operatives have been deployed to the scene to maintain law and order.

“Police operatives led by Divisional Police Officer Central Police Station Awka have taken over the scene.

“Though the details are still sketchy, Operations to restore order are ongoing. Further details shall be communicated, please,” he added.
PUNCH

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.