Amawbia Market Building Collapse: How business rivalries, Sabotage Killed Father of 4, 3 Others

By Our correspondent

The devastating incident at the Amawbia Eke Market on Thursday that left at least four people dead, including a father of four, after a building collapse, has been attributed to unhealthy business rivalries and sabotage.

According to Comrade Anayo Nweke, President-General of the Awka South Markets Amalgamated Traders Union (ASMATU), the tragic event was rooted in these two factors.

Nweke spoke to the press after conducting an on-site assessment of the damage, clarifying that the collapsed structure was a suspended toilet facility with a staircase, not a two-storey building as previously reported.

He expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Red Cross, traders, and passers-by for their swift response and rescue efforts.

The ASMATU President-General acknowledged that the incident was suspicious, particularly given the ongoing leadership crisis and intense rivalry among market stakeholders vying for contract awards.

He announced that an investigation panel would be established to probe the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

According to Nweke, the rivalry and sabotage that led to the tragedy were not surprising, given the long-standing disputes and power struggles within the market.

He emphasized that the union would work closely with the investigation panel to uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The collapse of the building has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many traders and residents expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and structural integrity of buildings within the market.

Nweke reassured the public that the union would work tirelessly to ensure the market’s safety and stability, and that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. He urged traders and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.

The ASMATU President-General also commended the prompt response of the emergency services, which helped minimize the damage and prevent further loss of life. He praised the bravery and selflessness of the rescuers, who risked their lives to save others.

When contacted, the Financier- Contractor handling the collapsed toilet facility, Engr. Arinze Anyadiegwu said he was on his way back to Awka from Lagos when he got the information, debunking the speculations and allegations attributing the collapse to poor engineering work.

Anyadiegwu said: “We’ve been using solid and strong materials and all the rods are of standard quality, including the sand and the stone, irrespective of the fact that the rods used are 16 mm measurement. All rods we used are 16 mm used to erect storey budding, irrespective of the fact that the roof is casted as well.”

Continuing, he said, “I want to make it clear that it is a pure sabotage. You won’t believe we’ve 28 to 30 solid pillars with up to five feet deep from the ground to ensure well fortification of the project. I have over 100 other shops at that Amawbia Market and none has a problem.

“The situation that happened is not out of mismanaged structure.”

Anyadiegwu, who revealed that he had fierce and unhealthy competitors who bid for the award of the contract, further alleged foul play and sabotage

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rivalry and sabotage, and the importance of prioritizing safety and unity in the face of adversity. The market community is coming together to support those affected and to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.