A tragic incident occurred in Anata Anaba, Okpoko, in Anambra State, Nigeria, when a three-storey building under construction collapsed onto a home, killing a mother and her 14-year-old daughter. The collapse happened around 9:45 p.m. while the victims were asleep in their bedroom.
The mother, Happiness Ugoagu, and her daughter, Chikaima, died in the disaster. Happiness’s son, Chimobi Ugoagu, was outside the house at the time, while his siblings were in the sitting room. He mentioned that neighbors had warned the builder about the risks associated with the structure, but their concerns were ignored.
Chimobi also stated that an engineer had advised that the building should not be taller than two storeys due to the waterlogged condition of the land. Chijioke Ojukwu, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and called the incident unfortunate. He claimed that substandard materials were used in the construction.
Ojukwu revealed that a stop-work notice had previously been issued for the building, labeling it illegal. He ordered the demolition of this building and other unapproved constructions in the area.
Nnamdi Ifejika, the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, expressed his sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the family. He emphasized the pain of losing a mother and daughter in such tragic circumstances and urged residents to report unsafe buildings to prevent future tragedies.
Ifejika also called for an investigation into the collapse and assured the affected family and the community of the local government’s support. He encouraged residents to cooperate with emergency personnel and relevant authorities.
[logo-slider]
