The Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed three-storey Elite Five Star Lodge in Amaokpala Community near Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident that claimed lives and left several others injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that those rescued from the rubble were receiving medical attention while investigations continue.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary findings suggest that structural failure was the likely cause of the collapse. He alleged that the owners and management of the building were aware of the defects but failed to take corrective action.
“Preliminary assessments point to structural failure as the likely cause, and this fact was known to the owners and management of the building, yet they put monetary gain above the safety of the occupants,” the statement
Ojukwu disclosed that the facility has been sealed off while a comprehensive technical and structural integrity assessment is being conducted to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The ministry further revealed that the state government had received intelligence regarding other potentially distressed buildings within the area and has consequently directed compulsory structural integrity tests on all buildings surrounding the collapsed structure.
It warned that decisive action would be taken against anyone found culpable, including the possible revocation of the Right of Occupancy on the affected property and the prosecution of individuals whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the incident.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing planning regulations and building safety standards across the state, Ojukwu urged developers, landlords and property owners to strictly comply with approved building plans and structural requirements.
He also appealed to residents to stay away from the sealed site and refrain from spreading unverified information that could hamper ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
The ministry added that it would continue to work closely with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies as investigations progress
