Anambra Building Collapse Claims Lives of Mother, 14-Year-Old Daughter

Anambra Building Collapse Claims Lives of Mother, 14-Year-Old Daughter

A three-storey building under construction has collapsed in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing a woman and her 14-year-old daughter.

The incident occurred around 9:45 pm on Wednesday at Anata Anaba, trapping the victims inside their home in a neighbouring bungalow as the structure came crashing down.

Eyewitnesses said the building produced a loud noise before its walls began cracking. The sudden collapse sparked panic among residents, some of whom rushed to assist trapped victims.

Emergency responders rescued other people caught beneath the rubble and transported them to hospital for medical attention, according to accounts from residents at the scene.

Residents alleged that concerns had previously been raised about the building’s construction, particularly because the land was waterlogged and potentially unsuitable for supporting a three-storey structure.

They claimed the engineer initially responsible for the project had recommended limiting the building to two floors. However, the advice was allegedly ignored, and another engineer was later engaged.

The collapse claimed the lives of the landlady of the neighbouring bungalow and her youngest daughter. The woman’s son, identified as Chimobi, said three family members were inside when disaster struck.

Chimobi explained that he was outside when the building fell, while his mother and sister were inside their bedroom and had little chance of escaping the impact.

He said the family and other residents had repeatedly warned the builder about the potential danger, but their appeals to stop the construction were allegedly disregarded.

Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, confirmed the incident on Thursday during a visit to the scene with Ogbaru 1 lawmaker Noble Igwe.

Ojukwu attributed the collapse to substandard building materials and poor construction practices. He also disclosed that the authorities had previously issued a stop-work notice against the structure.

According to the commissioner, the building was constructed illegally, and the government had ordered its demolition before the collapse occurred.

He added that the land would be forfeited to the Anambra State Government, while investigations would extend to other unapproved buildings under construction in the area.