Governor Amosun

Abiodun Onafuye, Abeokuta

Tragedy struck early this morning when a market under construction at Itoku in Abeokuta south local government area collapsed. It killed one person while many others were severely injured.

As at the time of filling this report, a rescue team was still battling to remove those that were trapped under the rubbles, while Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his cabinet members were seen appealing to the people to remain calm.

The collapsed market structure is located at Igboore junction, Itoku market and it is known as “Itoku Market –Ori Eku Market”.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident reported that
part of the building still under construction went down while workers were there this morning.

The market is part of the projects of the Ibikunle Amosun led administration which is being handled by Valdus construction Services Ltd., James Town Planner and Hakmode Ventures Ltd.

Hell was let loose in the area as security men had to shoot sporadically to avert crisis as residents and relatives of many of the victims were angry.

Journalists were not spared in the attack from the angry mob as NTA Abeokuta cameraman and PMNews reporter, who had earlier got to the
scene of the incident, 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 shrine. They were of the opinion that appeasement needed to be done on the land before construction.

Some were, however, of the opinion that the construction was below standard, accusing the contractor of using sub standard materials.

Reasons for the collapse were still sketchy as at the time of filling this report. The area has now been cordoned off by security personnel. Crane has been brought to the site to remove those trapped underneath.

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 had been throwing stones and pebbles at security personnel before his arrival.

The governor, upon arrival, ordered for the crane and other supportive
equipment to complement efforts of the rescue team on ground.

The area has become tense with cops shooting sporadically to disperse the angry mob. This even resulted in causing various degrees of injuries to most of the onlookers.

Our correspondent also gathered from the people that some of those trapped have been sending messages and also calling those outside, seeking rescue assistance.

As at the time of filing this report, efforts are still been made by the rescue team to remove those trapped but no one is yet to be
removed.