Kano State Police Command has arrested the contractor handling the three storey building that collapsed on Friday in Kano.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed three persons killed and two sustained critical injuries during the ugly incident that occurred at Kuntau quarters in Gwale local government area of the state.
A statement by spokesperson of the command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa on Saturday said police interim investigation shows lack of quality in the building texture may have responsible for the incidence.
The police disclosed that findings also revealed that the property owner did not possess necessary statutory approvals from government for the construction of the collapsed structure.
According to the police, the actions of the contractor and property owner are violation of the extant laws and deliberate non compliance with building regulations has warranted police investigation.
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The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc has 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.
“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.
“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”.
The police command assured the public that at the conclusion of its investigation, the property owner will be charged to court for prosecution for justice to be served.
The command told the public not to hesitate to prompt report of incident urgently to enable emergency and rescue operation swing into action immediately to safe lives.