Kano Building Collapse Kills 3, Injures 2; Owner and Contractor Arrested

A building under construction in Kano, Nigeria collapsed on April 28, 2024, killing three labourers and injuring two others. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that five people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested the building's owner and the contractor handling the construction project. They are alleged to have used substandard materials and lacked the necessary statutory approvals from the government for the construction. The police stated that their actions violated the state's building regulations.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Gumel said that if found guilty, the owner and contractor will be charged to court. "The police have secured the scene, rescued the victims, and are conducting an investigation. Once completed, the property owner will be charged to court for prosecution," Gumel stated.

Eyewitnesses reported that the three-storey building suddenly collapsed during construction work. "We heard a loud sound and rushed to see what happened. The building just fell down on the workers. It was a terrible sight," said one onlooker at the scene.

Why this matters: Building collapses due to substandard materials and lack of proper approvals are a recurring problem in Nigeria, often resulting in tragic loss of life. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and holding negligent parties accountable to prevent future disasters.

The police have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted and justice will be served. NEMA officials are also working at the site to clear the debris and ensure no additional victims are trapped. The identities of the deceased and injured workers have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

Key Takeaways

• Building collapse in Kano, Nigeria killed 3 workers, injured 2 on April 28, 2024.
• Owner and contractor arrested for using substandard materials, lacking govt approvals.
• Police to charge owner and contractor if found guilty of violating building regulations.
• Recurring issue of building collapses due to negligence highlights need for stricter enforcement.
• Identities of victims not yet released, NEMA working to clear debris and rescue any others.