A tragedy was narrowly averted in the early hours of Saturday when a three-storey building collapsed at the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate in Ohobo Afara, Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
The collapse left a nursing mother and her five-month-old baby injured. Residents reported that the building had been abandoned for some time and showed visible signs of structural failure in the days leading up to the incident.
The building caved in around 3 a.m., causing panic among the neighborhood. Fortunately, five other residents living nearby managed to escape without injury. An eyewitness who lives close to the scene described the moment the structure gave way.
“We heard a loud noise around 3am and rushed out. We saw the entire building had collapsed. Miraculously, no life was lost. But the woman and her baby, who were inside a nearby bungalow, were badly injured by falling debris,” he said.
Another resident, a security guard who asked not to be named, confirmed that the building had been raising concerns among locals for a while.
“We noticed cracks and movements in the structure. The building was not occupied but people used the surrounding bungalows. We had even advised that something be done, but nothing happened until this morning,” he said.
Following the incident, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) promptly sealed off the area and began investigations into the cause of the collapse.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the site, the General Manager of UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, confirmed the injuries and the agency’s immediate response.
“We thank God that no lives were lost. The nursing mother, her infant, and one other injured person are receiving medical attention at a private hospital. They were very lucky to survive,” Agomoh said.
He stated that the building, which had remained uncompleted and unoccupied for a long time, had not passed the necessary integrity assessments.
“From preliminary observations, it appears the structure lacked proper reinforcements and may have been compromised over time. We have sealed the premises and commenced a full investigation to determine the root cause of the collapse,” he added.
Agomoh also revealed that two other three-storey buildings within the same premises have shown signs of structural instability and would undergo integrity tests immediately.
“We are not taking chances. Our engineers will conduct comprehensive tests on the standing structures. If they are deemed unsafe, we will take the necessary steps, including demolition, to safeguard lives,” he assured.