Tragedy was narrowly averted in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, when an uncompleted three-storey building collapsed in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, injuring a nursing mother and her five-month-old baby.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at Olokoro Road, within the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Ohobo Afara. The collapsed structure also damaged a nearby bungalow occupied by a family of seven, but miraculously, the remaining five members escaped unhurt.
According to eyewitness accounts, the building had been showing signs of structural instability before it finally gave way. A third person also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment alongside the mother and baby.
Residents told journalists that the collapse caused significant destruction to the affected bungalow. “We heard a loud crash around 3 a.m. and ran out. We saw the building had fallen onto the next house,” one resident recounted.
When our correspondent visited the scene, it was observed that two additional three-storey structures on the premises appeared to be in critical condition, showing visible signs of caving in.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Ugwumba Shedrack and Ms. Nkechi Uzochi, residents of the damaged bungalow, confirmed the incident occurred while they were sleeping. “We thank God no life was lost,” they said.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but concerned residents are calling for immediate action to prevent a repeat of such near-tragedy.
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