FIC Report (Abia State) – In a swift and decisive move, the Abia State Police Command has arrested the site engineer responsible for the catastrophic collapse of an uncompleted three-storey building in Umuahia.
This was a disaster that shook residents to the core and could have claimed lives.
The arrest, announced by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, underscores the growing resolve of both the police and the state government to put an end to the culture of impunity, recklessness, and professional misconduct in the building industry.
“Last week, a three-storey structure came crashing down around the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia,” Prince Kanu revealed during a press briefing at Government House, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
“Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but three persons sustained injuries. By divine grace, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and his team were on ground, rendering immediate first aid before transferring the victims to a hospital for proper care,” he said.
But beyond the injuries and rubble lies a burning question: How did this happen in 2025? Who was asleep on duty?
The arrest of the site engineer is just the beginning, as the police have intensified investigations to uncover whether criminal negligence, substandard materials, or collusion with corrupt inspectors played a role in this near-tragedy.
The public is watching , and this time, someone must be held accountable.
The state government, clearly enraged, is not taking chances. According to the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, a comprehensive integrity test will now be mandatory for every building with more than two floors in Abia State , old or new.
“The era of corner-cutting and unsafe constructions is over.
The government has zero tolerance for professional misconduct, and will do everything within its power to ensure the safety of every citizen,” Agomuo declared with determination.
“This collapsed building dates back to 2007, a legacy of neglect that cannot be allowed to continue. We must ensure that no one sleeps under a deathtrap in this state.”
While investigations continue, the state’s infrastructure transformation marches on.
Prince Kanu shared updates on the ongoing road revolution — with active projects at 51 locations, three already completed, and five new ones added despite the rainy season.
The completed projects include:
Failed section of Akanu Ibiam–Ohafia Road,
Eket Street–Niger Road (through Calabar) in Umuahia,
Wosu Road–Abayi in Aba.
He also highlighted the construction of a new roundabout at Library Avenue by Government House Gate, and the commencement of a tree-planting and beautification project along Library Avenue and Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard — efforts aimed at transforming Umuahia into a smart city.
Yet, despite all these advancements, public safety remains paramount.
The message from Abia State is clear and loud: negligence will no longer be tolerated, and the law will take its full course — beginning with those behind the collapsed building.
The Police have acted. Now the people await justice.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
29th July, 2025.
