Widespread outrage has erupted online following the release of video footage showing a woman and her infant narrowly escaping heavy machinery during a government demolition exercise in Anambra State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, at the popular Building Materials Market in Nnewi during an enforcement operation targeting unauthorised developments.
The footage shows an excavator operated by personnel from the Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development dismantling informal shanties and temporary structures.
In the video, the heavy machinery collapses a structure just feet away from a woman holding a baby as she scrambles to rescue personal belongings and run to safety.
Public debate intensifies over safety protocols
The distribution of the clip across social media platforms has drawn mixed reactions regarding operational safety and civil compliance.
Critics and human rights advocates condemned the demolition team for operating heavy equipment near occupied spaces without first clearing the structures.
Many argued that site supervisors failed to enforce basic safety protocols to ensure buildings were completely evacuated before starting mechanical demolition.
Conversely, commentators supporting the exercise contended that property owners and occupants frequently ignore official eviction notices and warnings from urban planning authorities, thereby placing themselves and dependents in dangerous situations during active enforcement.
Anambra State government officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the safety compliance of the enforcement team during the exercise
See the video on our Telegram Channel.
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