Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent building collapses in Anambra and Ogun states, describing the incidents as tragic reminders of the need to strengthen building safety regulations across Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said he was deeply saddened by the collapse of a building in Amaokpala, Anambra State, which housed, among others, some students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
He lamented the loss of two lives in the incident, noting that although the deceased were not students of the institution, the tragedy remained painful.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the collapse.
Obi also reacted to the reported building collapse in Ogun State, which occurred just days after the Anambra incident, saying the loss of lives in both cases underscored the urgent need to prioritise public safety.
He commended the governments of Anambra and Ogun states, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, emergency responders, security agencies, and all those involved in the rescue operations for their swift and coordinated response, noting that their efforts helped prevent greater casualties.
The Anambra incident occurred late on Sunday when a three-storey Elite Five Star Lodge, a privately owned hostel in Amaokpala near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, suddenly collapsed, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, security personnel and local volunteers, launched an intensive rescue operation that led to the recovery of survivors.
Authorities later confirmed that two people lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
The Anambra State Government has since sealed the building and ordered structural integrity tests on nearby structures as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.
In Ogun State, another building tragedy unfolded barely a day later when a two-storey structure reportedly sank into the ground and collapsed near Bada Hospital, close to Ajuwon Bus Stop. Rescue teams worked through the debris to save trapped occupants, with reports confirming multiple fatalities and several rescues.
The back-to-back incidents have renewed concerns over recurring building collapses in Nigeria and prompted fresh calls for stricter enforcement of construction standards, regular structural inspections and greater accountability within the building sector.
The former Anambra governor urged authorities across the country to strengthen the enforcement of building regulations, ensure strict compliance with approved construction standards, and carry out regular structural integrity assessments to prevent avoidable disasters.
According to him, the safety and welfare of citizens, particularly students and young people, must remain a priority, stressing that investment in education should go hand in hand with ensuring that learning and residential environments are safe.
Obi concluded by offering prayers for the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragedies, reaffirming his commitment to supporting students and advocating for a safer Nigeria.
“By investing in their education, safety, and well-being, we make the New Nigeria possible,” he said.