By Sophia Afolabi
The Abia State Government has ordered a structural integrity assessment for all buildings above two storeys, following the collapse of an uncompleted three-storey structure in Afaraukwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The building, which had been abandoned for several years after construction began in 2007, suddenly collapsed last Saturday, injuring three individuals who had taken shelter in the structure. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded.
The affected property is reportedly owned by Chief Ikechi Emenike, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the site engineer has been arrested by the police. He is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“Fortunately, there were no fatalities. About three people sustained injuries and were promptly attended to by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and his team, who administered first aid and transferred them to hospital,” Kanu said.
The Commissioner also highlighted the administration’s ongoing infrastructural initiatives, stating that despite the rainy season, road rehabilitation and construction works are progressing across 51 project locations statewide. He noted that three road projects have been completed while five new ones were recently added.
The completed roads include: the reconstruction of failed portions of Akanu Ibiam-Ohafia Road, maintenance of Eket Street-Niger Road through Calabar Road in Umuahia, and the construction of Wosu Road in Abayi, Aba.
As part of the state’s urban renewal strategy, a new roundabout is under construction at Library Avenue by the Government House Gate. The government has also commenced a city-wide tree-planting campaign along Library Avenue and Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard to improve environmental aesthetics.
General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, announced that a thorough investigation into the cause of the building collapse is underway. He emphasized the state government’s resolve to prioritize safety and enforce construction standards.
Agomuo stated that integrity tests would be mandatory for all buildings from two storeys and above—both existing and under construction—adding that this policy aims to prevent further structural failures and protect residents.
“The government has zero tolerance for professional misconduct and will do everything necessary to ensure the safety of citizens,” he said. “Every new and existing building over two floors will be subjected to a structural audit to confirm compliance with engineering standards.”
He noted that while newer buildings are expected to meet safety codes under professional supervision, the 2007-originated structure that collapsed demonstrated why retrospective assessments are now critical.
