The Abia State Government has ordered integrity tests on all storey buildings across the state, following the collapse of an uncompleted three-storey structure in Umuahia in the early hours of Saturday.
The directive was announced by the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, during a press briefing held at the conclusion of the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Umuahia.
Agomoh said the move is part of the government’s proactive strategy to prevent future building collapses and ensure public safety. He stated that the assessment will cover completed, uncompleted, occupied, and unoccupied storey buildings in all parts of the state.
“The exercise will be thorough, but it will also be concluded in good time,” Agomoh assured, adding that any structure that fails the integrity test will face decisive government action.
He confirmed that the collapsed building had only just been roofed before it gave way at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, raising suspicions about the quality of materials and structural integrity of the construction.
“The site of the collapsed building and two nearby buildings constructed by the same engineer have been sealed off, and residents and security personnel have been evacuated from neighbouring structures as a precautionary measure,” he said.
Agomoh emphasized the need for strict adherence to approved building plans and safety standards in the construction of multi-storey buildings. He warned that the government would maintain zero tolerance for professional misconduct in the building and construction sector.
“We are committed to restoring public confidence and protecting lives and property across the state,” he said, adding that the results of the integrity tests and the probe into the collapsed building would be made public.
No Fatalities Reported, Builders Under Investigation
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. He said three individuals sustained injuries and received immediate treatment from the Abia Ministry of Health, before being transferred to a hospital for further care.
Kanu disclosed that the collapsed building belonged to an elder statesman in the state and was yet to be plastered at the time of the collapse.
“The construction company responsible for the three buildings—one of which has collapsed—has been apprehended and is assisting police investigations,” he stated.
Investigation Will Be Holistic – Ekeoma
Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, said the ongoing probe into the incident would be holistic and far-reaching. He assured that both private contractors and public officials found culpable would be held accountable.
“Sanctions will depend entirely on the findings of the investigation. No one will be shielded,” Ekeoma stressed.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing building safety regulations and holding violators accountable to prevent future tragedies.
