Three persons were feared dead in a building that collapsed Saturday at the Ochanja Central Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The structure, a two-storey building, reportedly collapsed around 5:45pm on Saturday.
Eye witnesses blamed the incident on further development on the already weak structure without necessary reinforcement.
Twenty-fours earlier, a group of traders at the market had protested plans by leadership of the market to erect additional structures on the existing old and weak buildings in the market.
The traders, who took their protest to Awka the State capital, appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to prevail on the market leadership to forestall any tragedy.
One of the traders, who preferred anonymity, said the yet to be identified deceased were working at the site when the incident happened.
Attempts to speak with the market leaders were unfruitful as the traders were seen trying to salvage their goods, as well as avoid being trapped.