A 20-storey hotel building under construction in Asaba, Delta State collapsed on Thursday evening, leaving eight people injured.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the building, which is located directly opposite Delta Mall, Asaba (Shoprite), is owned by billionaire businessman and founder of Rain Oil Group, Chief Gabriel Ogbechie.
An eyewitness said that the collapse occurred while workers were engaged in construction work. The eyewitness, who identified herself as Onyinye Okei, said that about eight people sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by their colleagues.
The State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Mr. Michael Anoka, said that the incident was caused by a building defect. He said that the government is investigating the matter and that the compound has been sealed off.
“The Ministry is still investigating. The government is already taking measures and as you can see, the compound has been sealed. After our investigation, we will come up with a report of what happened here today,” Anoka said.
“Everybody should be calm; the government has already started measures before this incident today. We are trying to put up a process so that we will be able to avoid such situations.”
The scene of the incident has been cordoned off by officials of State Emergency Management Agency and security operatives.
