The Abia State Police have apprehended the site engineer responsible for the uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed recently in Umuahia.

 

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

 

“Last week, an uncompleted three-storey building collapsed in the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, though three individuals sustained injuries,” Kanu stated. He added that the injured victims received prompt medical attention from the Commissioner for Health and his team, who provided first aid and later transferred them to a hospital for further treatment.

 

He confirmed that the site engineer is currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations into the incident.

 

Despite the rainy season, Kanu emphasized that the state’s road infrastructure projects are progressing steadily. According to him, roadwork is currently ongoing at 51 locations across the state, with three roads completed recently and five more added to the project list. The completed roads include the reconstructed failed sections of Akanu Ibiam–Ohafia Road, maintenance of Eket Street–Niger Road through Calabar in Umuahia, and construction of Wosu Road–Abayi in Aba.

 

In support of the state’s urban renewal initiative, a new roundabout is under construction near the Government House Gate along Library Avenue. Kanu also noted that tree-planting efforts have commenced along Library Avenue and Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard as part of the beautification drive aimed at transforming Umuahia into a smart city.

 

Speaking further, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, announced that the government will conduct integrity tests on all buildings with two or more floors to ensure public safety.

 

He stressed that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on professional misconduct and is committed to safeguarding residents. “Every building—whether existing or under construction—with more than two floors will undergo structural integrity testing,” Agomuo stated, adding that the collapsed building had been under construction since 2007.

 

The move, he said, is part of a broader effort to prevent future building failures and guarantee the safety of all structures in the state.