The Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), along with the DMGS Old Boys Association and school authorities, has inaugurated a nine-member panel to investigate the cause of a recent building collapse at the premises of Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The incident involved a five-storey building under construction by the Anglican Church, which collapsed around 1:15 am on Wednesday, June 12, trapping several construction workers. Despite swift rescue efforts by Anambra State government officials and members of the Red Cross Society, one worker succumbed to injuries the following day, while the others were successfully rescued.
To ascertain the cause of the collapse, officials from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the state physical and planning board visited the site. However, with the cause still undetermined, the Diocese on the Niger took proactive steps by forming a committee to investigate the incident.
Heading the panel is Justice Peter Obiorah, with Andy Obianwu serving as secretary. Other members include Shed Onwuasoanya, Dr Azuka Onweluzo, Ofodile Anieto, Chukwunonto Igboka, Peter Okpala, Samuel Akabogu, and Kingsley Ibekwe.
Addressing journalists at the site of the collapsed building, Bishop Rt. Rev Owen Nwakolo outlined the committee’s nine Terms of Reference, emphasizing the need to determine if proper administrative and technical procedures were followed during the building’s construction. The panel is tasked with reviewing the building plans to ensure compliance with standards, verifying approval from relevant authorities, and examining the qualifications of the architectural and engineering professionals involved.
“We expect your report within one month from June 18, 2024, the date of the panel’s inauguration,” Bishop Nwakolo stated, underscoring the urgency and thoroughness required in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Present at the inauguration were Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese, Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of Mbamiri Diocese, Bishop Prosper Amah of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese, and numerous priests from the Diocese, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
