(The collapsed building. Photo Credit: Punch News)
A two-storey building under construction has collapsed in the Umuoma community in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, causing panic among residents and passersby.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when the structure, which was being built to serve as a hotel, began caving in after loud cracking sounds were heard from the walls.
More than 20 construction workers who were on the second floor at the time managed to escape by jumping down one after another before the building gave way. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
Residents who spoke about the incident pointed to the speed of construction and heavy rainfall as possible contributing factors.
One resident also raised concerns about the use of substandard materials and the practice of laying blocks before previous layers had dried, particularly during the rainy season.
Government officials from the Anambra State Urban and Town Planning department visited the site on Tuesday and sealed off the premises to prevent further danger.
An investigation has since been launched to determine the cause of the collapse and whether proper approvals and building standards were followed.
An official at the scene noted that preliminary reports indicated multiple structural damages, and that the building was still tilting dangerously in different directions.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but said details were still being gathered.
Building collapses remain a recurring problem across Nigeria, frequently linked to the use of substandard materials, structural defects, poor regulatory compliance and inadequate supervision of construction projects.
