In Ebonyi State’s capital, Abakiliki, a three-storey building collapsed tragically on Tuesday night. The incident happened near the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA 1).

Rescue operations are underway as workers remain trapped in the rubble. One person has been rescued and taken to the hospital.

The building is owned by Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (P-Noble), a member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly representing Afikpo North East.

According to Hon. Sunday Inyima, the state’s Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Development, the collapse occurred because the structure was illegal and lacked approval from the ministry’s Head of Department.

Engineer Lebechi Mbam, the state’s Commissioner for Works, emphasized the importance of obtaining proper approvals from the state ministry to prevent such tragedies.

Engineer Eni Enyinnaya, chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers in Ebonyi State, expressed concern over the economic and reputational impact of the collapse and vowed to take action against unqualified engineers.

Hon. Ukie Ezeali, the building owner, could not be reached for comment.