‘Several persons’ trapped as four-storey building collapses in Uyo

A four-storey building in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, has collapsed with several residents reportedly trapped in the rubble.

The incident happened on Saturday at Iman street, off Aka road in Uyo.

Some persons at the scene of the incident said the building was under construction, and work was ongoing on the fourth floor when the structure collapsed.

So far, there is no report on fatalities from the site of the collapse.

However, four persons are said to have been rescued, while security operatives and rescue workers are currently at the site.

In a video streamed live by MC Governor, a Facebook user, a man is seen running about as he keeps asking for his brother.

A woman, who also spoke in the video, said her shop was affected. 

“My shop is close to the building. Over 10 industrial machines and manual machines kept inside have gotten condemned,” she said.

Officials from the state fire service and ministry of works are also at the scene.

When contacted, Odiko Macdon, Akwa Ibom police spokesperson, told TheCable that there is no confirmed figure yet on persons trapped.

“Investigation is ongoing. We have received a report that a building collapsed. We are trying to look at the remote causes and the immediate causes. As I speak, a rescue mission is on the way, although I can not ascertain if there are casualties or not. But for now, no casualties,” Macdon said.

“We are trying to get the facts and as soon as we tidy the facts, we will let the public know.”