Tragedy struck Anata Anaba, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, after a three-storey building under construction reportedly collapsed onto a nearby residential building, killing a mother and her 14-year-old daughter.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Happiness Ugoagu and her 14-year-old daughter, Chikaima.
The incident has thrown the family and residents of the community into mourning, with questions being raised over the circumstances that led to the collapse.
According to reports by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), residents alleged that concerns had been raised about the building before the tragedy occurred.
Residents reportedly claimed that the land was waterlogged and that an engineer had previously advised that construction on the site should not exceed two storeys. However, they alleged that the warning was not heeded.
The deceased woman’s son, Chimobi, also reportedly said he had expressed concerns about the building before the incident.
Following the collapse, the Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, visited the scene to assess the situation.
The commissioner reportedly disclosed that a stop-work notice had previously been issued on the structure.
He attributed the collapse to the use of substandard construction materials and described the building as an illegal structure.
The development has consequently raised concerns over enforcement of building regulations and the effectiveness of stop-work orders issued by relevant authorities.
Residents and members of the public are now asking how construction allegedly continued despite the reported stop-work notice, and whether stronger enforcement could have prevented the tragedy.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over building safety, construction standards and regulatory compliance, particularly in areas where residents may be exposed to risks from nearby construction projects.
