13th May, 2016
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Pandemonium struck early Friday morning when a market under construction at Itoku, Abeokuta South local government area of Ogun state collapsed and killed one person while many others were severely injured.
As at the time of filling this report, rescue teams were still battling to remove those trapped under the rubbles, while governor Ibikunle Amosun and his cabinet member were appealing to the people to remain calm.
The Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun arrived the scene alongside the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abdulmajid Ali and the
State Commandant of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS.
Amosun, who arrived at exactly 9:20 am with most of his cabinet members and some lawmakers appealed to the aggrieved residents who
were throwing stones and pebbles at the security agencies before his arrival.
The governor, upon arrival ordered for the crane and other supportive equipments as well as a rescue team of the NSCDC.
The collapsed market structure which is located at Igboore junction, is also popularly known as “Itoku Market–Ori Eku Market”.
Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident reported that workers were trapped in the building that collapsed because it was still under construction at the time of the crash.
The market is part of the project embarked upon by Ibikunle Amosun administration and was awarded to Valdus Construction Services Ltd., James Town Planner and Hakmode Ventures Ltd.
Our correspondent reports that shortly after the collapse, security men shot sporadically to avert crisis as residents and relatives of many of the victims began to protest.
Journalists were not spared in the attack from the angry mob as NTA Abeokuta cameraman and PM News reporter, who arrived the scene early were seriously attacked.
Our correspondent reliably gathered from some elderly women in the area that the site where the market was being erected was formerly an Oro cult shrine.
They claimed that unless the spirits are appeased, the construction of the market might never happen.
Others argued that the collapse was not spiritual, instead they hinged their guess on the fact that the construction was below standard, accusing the contractor of using sub-standard materials.
Reason for the collapse was sketchy as at the time of filling this report as the area has now been cordoned by the security personnel while a crane was deployed to clear the blocks and pave way for persons trapped underneath.