Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has sealed off two private student hostels and launched a full-scale investigation following the collapse of a two-storey building, Pentagon Lodge, located directly in front of the main gate of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI).
Although the building collapse occurred outside the university campus, the lodge was fully occupied by AE-FUNAI students. Thankfully, no casualties were recorded.
Commissioner for Capital City Development, Sunday Inima, who led a government delegation to the site on Saturday, described the incident as deeply alarming and ordered the immediate evacuation of all students residing in the affected building to safer accommodations.
The government also sealed off Kalas Lodge, another nearby student hostel, to allow for structural integrity tests and safety assessments.
Mr. Inima was accompanied by officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, and members of the university management team. He appealed to AE-FUNAI authorities to provide temporary shelter for the displaced students.
“We received a report early this morning about the collapse of a private hostel near the university. Though outside the school premises, it houses students of AE-FUNAI,” Inima said.
“To our greatest shock, we witnessed a major structural collapse. It was purely divine mercy that no lives were lost. But the state will not treat this lightly. For years, we have cautioned developers to follow due process and adhere strictly to building codes.”
The commissioner noted that preliminary findings point to the use of substandard materials and poor supervision during construction.
“To address this menace, we are setting up an inter-ministerial committee to assess the safety of all student hostels around the university. The safety of our sons and daughters is non-negotiable,” he added.
Inima further warned that early indications show gross violations of construction standards, and those found culpable will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse. He decried the recurring trend of building failures across the country, often caused by human error and non-compliance with building regulations.
“It is disheartening that in an era with skilled professionals and established codes, we still witness collapses due to poor practices and disregard for safety standards,” Nwifuru lamented.
He emphasized the need for closer monitoring of building projects, from foundation to completion.
“I have directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to ensure that no developer commences any construction without proper approvals. Our people’s lives are far too valuable to be endangered by carelessness,” the governor said.
Nwifuru also urged professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Building, to take responsibility for upholding standards in the construction industry.
“These institutions must act decisively to prevent further tragedies. The credibility of the profession depends on it,” he said.
The Governor assured that anyone found guilty after the investigation will face the full weight of the law and advised developers to always engage certified professionals for their projects.
