Peter Obi Offers Condolences to Victims of Onitsha Building Collapse
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the recent general elections, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic building collapse that occurred in a market in Onitsha on Monday night.
In a press statement released by his media adviser, Mr. Valentine Obineme, Obi conveyed his deep sadness over the loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to engineering and building standards to ensure the safety of people.
The collapse, which occurred at a block of shops still under construction in Ochanja Market, Onitsha, claimed the lives of approximately six individuals, while more than 20 others were rescued from the debris.
Obi underscored the crucial role of adherence to established standards and procedures in preventing such tragedies in the future. He advocated for the involvement of trained, licensed, and professional personnel in all stages of building projects, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that materials meet project specifications.
“I firmly believe that building collapses will be a thing of the past if we adhere to standards and procedures. Only trained, licensed, and professional personnel should handle building projects, and materials must meet project specifications,” Obi stated.
Expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries sustained in the collapse, Obi highlighted the resilience and determination of the victims, who were striving to make a living.
In addition to expressing gratitude to those involved in the rescue efforts, Obi called upon the state government to launch a thorough investigation into the root cause of the collapse. He stressed the importance of identifying and addressing any lapses or deficiencies to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of citizens.
As communities mourn the loss of lives and grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, Obi’s call for adherence to safety standards serves as a reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing human safety in all construction and development endeavors.
