A labourer named Nkwegu Shadrach has shared his account of how he escaped unharmed from a building collapse that occurred in the Abakaliki metropolis of Ebonyi State. The incident took place on Tuesday evening at a three-storey building located within the premises of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki I. The building collapsed while construction workers were inside.
The collapsed building, which was owned by Hon. Ukie Ezeali, a member of the Ebonyi House of Assembly representing Afikpo North/East State Constituency, crumbled down to its foundation. Among the workers trapped inside were a mason named Celestine Arua and a physically challenged labourer named Egwu Ogbonnia. They were eventually rescued after several hours of operation led by officials from the state Ministry of Capital Territory, Ministry of Works, and security agencies.
As reported by PUNCH Metro, the rescued labourers are currently receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of AE-FUTHA II, and their conditions were reported to be stable. Nkwegu, who had supplied mixed concrete to the workers inside the building, expressed gratitude to God for his safety and that of the two workers who were affected.
Nkwegu recounted, “I was there when the thing happened. It was the last bucket of the mixed concrete that I was trying to carry. When I turned back, I saw the building collapse. I was not affected, but two persons were affected, the mason man and another worker who is deaf and dumb.”
The incident has been described as a significant disaster by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria. The council expressed concern over the use of substandard materials and the failure to comply with building guidelines. Nwekete Chinasa-Jonathan, the Zonal Coordinator of the council, emphasized the poor workmanship and substandard materials used for the building.
The Commissioner for Capital Territory, Development Authority, Sunday Inyima, confirmed the council’s allegations and stated that two individuals connected to the building had been arrested. He urged the building owner to cooperate with the investigations and assured that the police and professional bodies were looking into the matter.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adherence to building regulations to prevent such incidents and protect the lives of workers and residents.
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