By Chinedum Treasure
A mother and her 14-year-old daughter have died after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on them at Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, amid allegations that repeated warnings about the structure’s safety were ignored.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:45 p.m. in the Anata Anaba area of Okpoko, leaving the family and the surrounding community devastated.
The victims were identified as Happiness Ugoagu and her daughter, Chikaima. They were reportedly asleep in their bedroom when the building caved in.
Investigations revealed that the land was waterlogged and that an engineer initially engaged for the project had advised that the building should not exceed two storeys because of the nature of the soil.
However, another engineer was reportedly engaged to continue the project to three storeys, allegedly disregarding the initial warning.
Chimobi Ugoagu, son of the deceased woman, said three members of the family were in the apartment when the building collapsed.
According to him, he was outside while his siblings were in the sitting room, but his mother and sister were in the bedroom directly beneath the collapsing structure.
“I had personally, together with other residents, warned the builder about the danger and called for the project to be stopped. But all our appeals were ignored,” he said.
Commissioner Orders Demolition of Illegal Structure
The Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, who visited the scene, described the incident as unfortunate.
Ojukwu alleged that substandard materials had been used in the construction and disclosed that a stop-work notice had previously been issued on the building.
He described the structure as illegal and ordered its demolition, alongside other unapproved buildings under construction in the area.
Ogbaru Mayor Mourns Victims, Calls for Building Safety
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Nnamdi Ifejika, has expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, describing it as a painful loss that has plunged the bereaved family and the wider community into mourning.
Ifejika, who personally led a visit to the scene, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
“This is a very painful and heartbreaking moment for us as a people. We cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a mother and her daughter in such a tragic circumstance.
“Our hearts are with the family of Mrs. Happiness Ugoagu at this very difficult time,” the mayor said.
While commending residents, first responders and others who mobilised to the scene, Ifejika explained the importance of coordinated action in protecting lives and assisting those who might still require help.
He directed that the situation be closely monitored and that appropriate authorities and relevant agencies be engaged to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The council chairman also called for heightened vigilance regarding the structural integrity of buildings across the local government area, particularly structures that could endanger residents and neighbouring communities.
“The safety of our people must remain our collective responsibility. We must take building standards, structural integrity and public safety seriously. Where there are concerns, they must be reported and properly investigated before tragedy strikes,” he stated.
Beyond the immediate response, Ifejika assured the bereaved family and the Okpoko community that the local government administration would continue to monitor developments and provide whatever support was within its capacity.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel and relevant authorities as assessment and recovery efforts continued.
The mayor prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their family the strength and fortitude to bear the devastating loss.
He extended his condolences to the entire Okpoko community, describing the incident as a painful loss that affected not just one household but the wider community.
Tags: Anambra State, Building Collapse, Okpoko
