Building Collapse: Police arrest Property owner, commences investigation

On 26/04/2024 at about 10am, the State Police Command’s emergency lines responded to the distress call on the pathetic incident of a two-storey building under construction at Kuntau area of Gwale LGA, Kano State had collapsed and some workers got trapped.

2. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc directed the immediate deployment of the commands tactical teams to secure the scene, rescue the victims, liaise with the relevant emergency workers, other security agencies personnel including Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), to take full control.

3. There was rapid response by the rescue teams and security teams that swung into action that led to recovery of five victims out of the debris who were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano. Unfortunately, three (03) bodies were certified dead and two (2) by the on-call pathologist while those with life-threatening injuries were admitted and are currently responding to treatment.

4. Interim police investigation shows lack of quality in the building texture and without the necessary approvals of the State Government. As a result, the property owner is currently under questioning for the crimes and violation of the extant laws and deliberate non compliance with building regulations.

5. The police command is at this juncture assuring the public that at the conclusion of its investigation, the property owner will be charged to court for prosecution for justice to be served.

6. Finally, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc is showing the heartfelt expression to the good people of the State for the prompt report of the incident without which those rescued alive wouldn’t have been possible. Furthermore, the CP also commended the combined rescue and security teams for the sacrifices and timely manner to which they provided the required intervention.

SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: *COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.*