By Murtala Adewale, Kano
One person was, yesterday, confirmed dead and three others were hospitalised after wreckage of a demolished building collapsed on scavengers in Kano.
The Guardian had earlier reported a massive invasion of youths, looting iron rods, roofing sheets, interlock blocks and other valuables from illegal structures demolished by the state government.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. at the former Daula Hostel along Murtala Mohammad way, when the youth embarked on manual draining of the concrete wreckage to pull out iron rods.
Director General, Kano State Urban Development Authority (KNUPDA), Ibrahim Yakub, who confirmed the development, said four scavengers were trapped in the rubbles while looking for metal in the demolished building.
Yakub, who led the team of government task force on demolition of illegal structures, told newsmen that three people were rescued alive by emergency workers with injuries, while one recovered, unconscious and was later confirmed dead at the hospital.
Yakub said scavengers, who illegally invade the demolished buildings, risked the danger of untimely death.
He said the government embarked on demolition in the middle of night to avoid public disturbance.
He, however, regretted the invasion of youths on the wreckage of the property.
Meanwhile, Kano State Police Command has announced the arrest of over 154 scavengers at various sites where the demolition was going on for attempted theft and stealing of public property.
Source: The Guardian