A nursing mother and her five-month-old baby sustained injuries in the early hours of Saturday following the collapse of an uncompleted three-storey building in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The building, situated along Olokoro Road in the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Ohobo Afara, came crashing down around 3:00 a.m., damaging a nearby bungalow occupied by a family of seven. Thankfully, no fatalities were recorded, as the remaining five family members escaped unhurt.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as terrifying. “We heard a loud rumble and came out to see that the structure had completely given way, crushing part of the bungalow. The mother and her infant were quickly rushed to a nearby private hospital,” said Babayu Adamu, a security guard on the premises.
According to residents, the building had previously shown visible signs of distress, sparking concerns long before the collapse.
“The walls were cracking, and we had raised alarm,” said Nkechi Uzochi, one of the bungalow occupants. “We didn’t expect it would happen so suddenly.”
Another witness, Mr. Ugwumba Shedrack, recounted the chaotic moment. “It happened so fast. We were sleeping when we heard the crash. We thank God no life was lost,” he said.
The General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, who visited the scene on Saturday, confirmed that the affected building and the surrounding area have been sealed off. He assured that a thorough investigation was underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
“We are grateful that no lives were lost, and those injured are receiving medical care,” Agomoh said. “However, this incident is a serious one. We have ordered integrity tests on the two other three-storey buildings on the premises. If they are found unfit, they will be demolished.”
Agomoh further warned that the agency would take appropriate legal action against the owner of the collapsed structure if found negligent. “Any contractor or developer who violates building safety codes will face the full weight of the law,” he added.