Uyo Building Collapse: Gov Emmanuel Sympathises With Victims

Survivors of the collapsed building on Iman Street in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, are in stable condition.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, confirmed the development after visiting some of the survivors at the Life Care Hospital in Uyo on Sunday afternoon.

Expressing gratitude to God for the stable conditions of the survivors, he described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.

One of the survivors, Mr. Idorenyin Effiong Udoh, who thanked God for sparing his life, said he was hired for electrical services at the building site. According to him, when he and other victims saw as the building began to fall, he lost hope of survival.

Meanwhile, Governor Udom Emmanuel has commiserated with the families of victims of the collapsed building.

According to a press release signed by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, “Following the unfortunate incident of the collapse of a four storey building on Iman street off Aka Road in Uyo, our state capital, HE the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has 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.”

Comrade Ememobong added that the Governor had directed the Health Commissioner to immediately take over the management of the survivors.

In the same vein, the Information Commissioner said Governor Emmanuel directed 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.”

He added that “The Governor also expressed his sincere appreciation to all the first responders, rescue and security agencies, Government Officials, voluntary organizations and all citizens who took part (especially the construction companies that donated their equipment) in the rescue operation which lasted many hours.”

On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, CP Olatoye Durosimi, warned members of the public against violating building construction regulations.

Speaking at the Life Care Hospital where he visited victims of the unfortunate incident, CP Durosinmi said buildings should only be constructed after due approvals by relevant agencies. He advised that concerned agencies should always supervise and ensure that builders do not cut corners, thereby avoiding ugly incidents.

It would be recalled that an ongoing storey building collapsed last Saturday, along Iman Street, off Aka Road in Uyo.