Chinedum Treasure
A middle-aged woman and her 14-year-old daughter lost their lives after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on them at Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 9:45 p.m in the Anata Anaba area of the town amidst alleged dismissal of warnings about the safety of the structure.
The deceased identified as Happiness Ugoagu and her daughter, Chikaima, were reportedly asleep in their bedroom when the building carved in.
The Nation gathered that the land was waterlogged and that an engineer initially engaged for the project had advised that construction should not exceed two storeys considering the topography of the soil.
Another engineer was said to have been engaged to continue the project to three storeys following alleged disregard of the advice.
Son of the female deceased, Chimobi Ugoagu said three members of the family were in the apartment when the building collapsed.
He said he was outside while his siblings were in the sitting room, but his mother and sister were in the bedroom directly beneath the collapsing structure.
“I had personally, together with other residents warned the builder about the danger and called for the project to be stopped. But all our appeals were ignored,” he added.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, who visited the scene of the incident, described the development as unfortunate.
He alleged that substandard materials had been used in the construction and disclosed that a stop-work notice had previously been issued on the building.
He described the structure as illegal and ordered its demolition, alongside other unapproved buildings under construction in the area.
Also reacting, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Nnamdi Ifejika has expressed deep sadness and heartfelt condolences following the tragic incidence.
Ifejika who personally led a visit to the scene, described the incident as a painful tragedy that has brought unimaginable sorrow to the affected family and the wider community.
“This is a very painful and heartbreaking moment for us as a people. We cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a mother and her daughter in such a tragic circumstance.
“Our hearts are with the family of Mrs. Happiness Ugagu at this very difficult time,” the Mayor said.
While commending residents, first responders and others who mobilised to the scene, the Council boss stressed the importance of coordinated action in protecting lives and assisting those who may still require help.
He directed close monitoring of the situation while appropriate authorities and relevant agencies be engaged to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
He also emphasised the need for heightened vigilance concerning the structural integrity of buildings within the local government, particularly structures capable of posing risks to residents and surrounding communities.
“The safety of our people must remain our collective responsibility. We must take building standards, structural integrity and public safety seriously. Where there are concerns, they must be reported and properly investigated before tragedy strikes,” the Mayor stated.
Beyond the immediate response, the Mayor assured the bereaved family and the Okpoko community that the Local Government Administration would continue to follow the situation and provide whatever support is within its capacity.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel and relevant authorities as assessment and recovery efforts continue.
Ifejika prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased, while asking God to grant their family the strength and fortitude to bear the devastating loss.
He also extended his sympathy to the entire Okpoko community, describing the incident as a painful loss that affects not only one household but the wider community.
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