(Peter Obi. Photo Credit: Sky News)
Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has expressed sadness over the recent building collapses in the states of Anambra and Ogun.
Obi expressed his sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and called the events “heartbreaking” in a statement released online, on Wednesday.
It is quite upsetting that buildings housing some Federal Polytechnic, Oko, students in Amaokpala, Anambra State, have collapsed.
The terrible loss of two lives in this regrettable occurrence saddens me,” he added.
Obi noted that although those who died were not students of the institution, the tragedy had nonetheless affected the wider academic community.
The former Anambra State governor also reacted to a separate building c0llapse in Ogun State on Tuesday, which occurred only days after the Amaokpala incident, describing it as another painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the safety of citizens, coming barely days after the similar unfortunate incident at Amaokpala.
The building that c0llapsed in Amaokpala reportedly served as off-campus accommodation for students and other residents.
The incident claimed two lives and left several others injured, prompting emergency rescue efforts by state agencies and security personnel.
A separate building c0llapse in Ogun State also resulted in fatalities, renewing concerns over compliance with building standards and structural safety across Nigeria.
Obi commended the response of both state governments and emergency agencies, applauding the Anambra State Government, the Ogun State Government, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, emergency responders.
Security agencies and all others involved in the rescue and relief efforts for their swift and coordinated response, which he said helped prevent what could have been even greater tragedies.
He said the two incidents should prompt governments and regulatory agencies to take stronger action against unsafe construction practices, adding that protecting lives must remain a priority, particularly within educational communities, stressing that the safety and welfare of citizens.
Especially young people, must remain central to development efforts, and that investment must continue not only in educational infrastructure but also in ensuring that every environment in which people live and learn is safe and fit for purpose.
He also offered prayers for those affected by the disasters, extending his thoughts to the families of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, the students affected by the Amaokpala incident, and all others impacted by the events, praying that God grants eternal rest to the deceased, comfort to their loved ones, and a swift recovery to the injured.