News
Many Trapped in Anambra Market After Two-Storey Building Collapse
A two-storey building under construction at Eke Amawbia market in Awka, Anambra State, collapsed on Thursday, trapping numerous traders and shop owners inside. The incident occurred around noon, causing panic among traders and residents. Although the exact casualty figure is unknown, it’s feared that lives may have been lost.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building suddenly crumbled, burying several traders under the rubble. As of the latest update, one person has been rescued and taken to Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical care, while many others remain trapped. Police officers are on the scene coordinating rescue efforts and maintaining order.
Traders blamed the collapse on substandard engineering work, alleging compromised structural integrity, while others cited persistent rainfall over the past week as a contributing factor. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the state police command, confirmed that two victims have been rescued and that rescue operations are ongoing.
The atmosphere at the market is tense, with onlookers anxiously awaiting news of the rescue efforts. The community is calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s chances of dominating the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at a grand reception in Uyo to welcome Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio said he believed Tinubu would secure 99.9% of the votes in the upcoming election.
Governor Eno recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, blaming unresolved leadership issues within his former party for the switch. Akpabio, addressing the crowd, praised Eno’s political journey, noting how difficult it was for him to become governor. But he assured him that with his new political alignment, things would take a different turn.
He boldly predicted that Eno would become the first governor in the state’s history to be re-elected in 2027, adding that both the governor and President Tinubu were in for a smooth political ride moving forward.
Catholics across Benue State came together on Thursday in a heartfelt prayer walk, seeking God’s help for peace to return to the troubled region. The walk, which drew large crowds from different parishes, was marked by hymns, placards, and quiet reflection. Priests, religious groups, and lay faithful joined in solidarity as they moved through the streets.
They also prayed for the victims of the recent violence, including those killed in the attack on Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where many lives were lost. Those who took part in the procession spoke out about the rising insecurity and called for healing, unity, and a renewed sense of justice in the state.
The recent surprise visit to Benue State by President Bola Tinubu has stirred many reactions from the public.
It was reported that some school children who were outside were urged to welcome the president under the rain.
It was also noted that what started as a simple welcome turned into a political rally for the President and the Governor of the state.
This gained many criticisms from the public, especially online, as they shared their thoughts on the visit and the welcome. Many highlighted the fact that it was meant to be a condolence visit and not a celebratory event.
