Five people were feared trapped inside a collapsed three-storey building in Umumbi, a community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria’s south-east.
Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the three-storey building collapsed on Friday.
One of the residents, Onyeka Egbule, told this newspaper that the building was still under construction when it collapsed.
“Five people were working yesterday (Friday) when the building collapsed on them,” Mr Egbule, whose apartment is located a few miles from the building, said.
He, however, could not say if the workers had died.
Another resident, simply identified as Jude, claimed three of the carpenters working on the building’s roof survived the collapse.
But he could not explain the whereabouts of the survivors.
This newspaper gathered that the owner of the building is based outside Nigeria, but had asked his siblings in Nigeria to supervise the project.
There are speculations that the use of substandard building materials might have contributed to the collapse.
But PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the speculations.
Investigation
When contacted, the Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Okey Kalu, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Kanu said rescue efforts were carried out on Friday upon receipt of information about the incident.
He said the Abia State Government mobilised trucks and other equipment during the rescue operation.
The commissioner said, although he was yet to be fully briefed on the incident, “some persons” died in the collapse.
READ ALSO: Eight rescued as search for survivors continues in Lagos building collapse
“We are investigating this collapse. The governor has ordered an investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the building collapse,” he said.
He hinted that “some persons would have been arrested by now” for their role in the collapse of the building.
Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
Make Contribution
TEXT AD: Call Willie – +2348098788999
