Collapse Building: Akwa Ibom Govt Sets Up Panel Of Inquiry

Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has ordered the setting up of a panel of inquiry into circumstances leading to the collapse of a four-storey building on Iman Street, Off Aka Road in Uyo

A release by the state government quotes Mr Emmanuel as directing the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to immediately set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the unfortunate incident.

“The panel is to conclude its work within one month, and if it is found that the collapse of the building was as a result of any acts of negligence or wrongdoing, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law.”

The statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy also quotes governor Al expressing his sincere appreciation to all the first responders, rescue and security agencies, government officials, voluntary organisations and all citizens who took part (especially the construction companies that donated their equipment) in the rescue operation which lasted many hours.

The governor also expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the collapsed building, while wishing the survivors a quick recovery. He has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately take over the management of the survivors.

Eighteen-Eleven Media correspondent reports that the incident occurred at about 7:30 pm on Saturday 17 September.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, some people were reportedly trapped inside the building.