By our Correspondent

In a bid to rescue victims of building collapse, Rescue and emergency workers in Enugu, on Sunday, rescued four persons trapped in a partially collapsed uncompleted hotel construction site, while one person is feared dead.

The four-storey building situated at Independence Layout, Enugu, was said to have collapsed early on Sunday morning, a development residents, who rushed to the scene, said could have been worse but for the regulatory interventions of the state government in sealing the site.

Speaking to newsmen at the site, the Executive Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA), Barr. Uche Anya, said it was a case of one of the recalcitrant developers who failed to comply with building codes.

Anya said ECTDA had taken regulatory action by sealing the site, which was approved in 2021.

“This property collapsed in the early hours of the morning. We arrived here around 6am. When we arrived, we met one of the securitymen, who said that six people slept in the uncompleted property, but one of them was not around when the incident occurred.

“So, the government emergency services arrived, and we started rescue operations. Four people, right now, are in the hospital receiving treatment as we speak. I believe there could be one more person in there, and that is why you see all this rescue effort ongoing.

“Meanwhile, this property was approved in 2021 before the advent of this administration. But usually, we have a habit of stocktaking, checking on every construction at every stage. When I personally led the team that inspected here, we found out that there were serious integrity issues and non-compliance with their 2021 approval.

“I personally issued the first ‘stop work order,’ which, due to the violation, resulted in our sealing the place over the last six months.

“So, I think within the last 30, 40 days, the representative of the owner, whom they say lives abroad, has been interfacing with us to remedy the situation. This is the process that we are still trying to interface on, and it came down.

“By the way, I have handed the representative to the police, not necessarily for detention, but to help with the investigation. But this is really a very unfortunate situation,” he explained.

Also speaking to reporters, the Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Engr. Okwudiri Oha, commended the swift response by the Red Cross, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), ECTDA, the Enugu State Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the mobilisation of adequate rescue equipment such as bulldozers and excavators, which ensured the rescue of four persons.

“As a rescue officer, what we did was to ask the security man how many people are here. He said that there were supposed to be six. One person had left before it happened.

“So, we were able at that initial time to rescue four persons. Out of the four, two sustained minor injuries and they were all rushed to a health facility for proper checks.

“Then, as you have seen, we have been working. The last person we just recovered was the fifth person. It is when you get to a health facility that you know whether he is still alive,” he stated.

NEMA Information Officer in Enugu, Mr. Ezeani Nnanyelugo, who confirmed the numbers, noted that the situation could have been worse but for the earlier sealing of the site by the state government.

“When we came to the scene of the incident, we found out that there were a total of six persons that were supposed to be on the site. One person was not on the site as at the time of the incident, while the four others were rescued and taken to the hospital and have been stabilised.

“Just not quite long ago, one body was recovered and it was taken to the hospital to confirm whether he was dead or alive,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, SEMA, Chinasa Mbah, said whereas only five persons were said to be present at the time of the incident, the entire wreckage would be cut through and excavated to ensure that no one was left behind.

“We are going to excavate everything because you can see the machines that government brought. We will excavate everything to ensure no survivor or body is left,” she said.

By Our Correspondent

A faith-based civil society organization, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has appointed Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, as its National Patron.

Announcing the appointment during the IHR’s Post-Hajj Lecture at the National Mosque, Abuja, the National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, said it was in recognition of Namadi’s contributions to the Hajj industry and his efforts to protect Jigawa State’s Hajj slots.

“We align ourselves with His Excellency because of his trademark commitment to providing assistance to Jigawa pilgrims since his assumption of office and his extraordinary interest in catering to the welfare of Nigerian Hajj pilgrims,” Muhammed said.

He added that the appointment aligns with IHR’s mandate of advocating for Nigerian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and educating intending pilgrims.

Receiving the plaque on behalf of the governor, the Director General, Jigawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labo, said Namadi accepted the role “with a full sense of responsibility.”

“His Excellency feels elated with the appointment given to him to serve as patron of the Independent Hajj Reporters of Nigeria. He has accepted the appointment with a full sense of responsibility and promised to assist you in meeting the stipulated goals set by the association,” Labo stated.

The DG noted that since the Namadi administration began, the governor has provided financial support to the board to safeguard Jigawa’s Hajj allocation, adding that the state also sponsors Islamic scholars, medical personnel and support staff to assist pilgrims.

He listed other initiatives to include provision of lunch for pilgrims and Sallah gifts to cushion the impact of the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA.

“What we are witnessing today will energise all those involved and stimulate others to follow suit,” Labo added.

IHR said the appointment is aimed at strengthening collaboration with stakeholders committed to improving the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Youth Leader of Amarata in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, Comrade Ogbara Izibeya has commended Hon. Gifted Natus for committing resources to restore peace in the community.

Comrade Ogbara Izibeya in a commendation Press Release he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Amarata expressed deep appreciation to Hon.Gifted Natus, a notable producer, showbiz impressario and social media influencer for his outstanding contributions, dedication and selfless service to the people of Amarata.

He described the unwavering commitment of Hon.Gifted Natus to peace building and security as truly inspiring, stressing that his massive support has led to significant decrease in crime rate and led to remarkable progress and collaboration between residents and security agents

The Amarata Youth Leader said the actions of Hon.Gifted Natus demonstrate the true spirit of leadership and genuine passion for grassroots development.

Comrade Izibeya on behalf of the entire Amarata community extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon.Gifted Natus and prayed God to continue to grant him wisdom, strength and opportunities needed to serve the people, describing him as a shining example of responsive and people centered representation.

He said the good people of Amarata will remain forever grateful to God for bringing Hon. Gifted Natus to rescue them and pray God to bless him abundantly.

In a related development Amarata Youth Leader, Ogbara Izibeya has added his voice to the long chorus of call on the Bayelsa State Government to restore light in Amarata which has been in darkness for years

He said Amarata host the Bayelsa Medical University, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Banks, Filling Stations, Supermarkets and other businesses and appealed to the state government to station patrol van and conduct regular patrols to beef up security in the area to maintain, and sustain the prevailing peace.

He said Amarata was a hotbed of crime and criminality and expressed gratitude to God for intervention to allow peace to reign in the community with the people sleeping with their two eyes closed.

The Youth Leader enjoined the Bayelsa State Government to clear the Epie Creek as the flood season approaches, construct link roads, consider Amarata indigenes for appointment in the ASSURED Prosperity Administration.

He warned cult groups that hitherto terrorized the area to relocate or face the wrath of the law.