Tragedy struck in the Idumoza community of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as a hotel under construction collapsed, killing its owner, Andrew Isesere.

 

The incident occurred on Friday, but the body of the deceased was recovered from the rubble on Sunday morning, according to eyewitness reports. Over 20 construction workers narrowly escaped the collapse.

 

Eyewitnesses and neighbors claimed the disaster could have been avoided, alleging that the late owner ignored repeated warnings about the use of substandard building materials.

 

“He used 12mm rods instead of the recommended 16mm for the pillars, and there was no base basket to support the structure. He didn’t even hire a professional engineer. He supervised the project himself, and sadly, it ended this way,” said a resident, Andrew Inegbebor.

 

Locals expressed frustration over the disregard for safety standards, noting that the collapse was preventable if proper construction protocols had been followed.

 

When contacted for confirmation, Edo State Police Command spokesman Moses Yamu stated that he had not yet received a report on the incident from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Uromi.

 

The incident has raised fresh concerns about building safety regulations and enforcement in the state.