Tragedy Strikes as Four Siblings Perish in Enugu Building Collapse
In a heart-wrenching incident, four siblings tragically lost their lives in a building collapse in Agric Quarters, Mgbemena, Enugu. The Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency Chairman, Mr Uche Anya, revealed the unauthorized conversion of the originally approved animal husbandry structure into a residential building, emphasizing the irresponsibility that led to the disaster. The incident highlights the urgent need for strict adherence to building regulations and a thorough investigation into the unauthorized construction.
Mary Nwaeze 
The Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA) has confirmed the heartbreaking loss of four siblings from the same family in a devastating building collapse that occurred in Agric Quarters, Mgbemena, within the Coal Camp area of the state.
Mr Uche Anya, the Chairman of ECTDA, expressed his deep sorrow as he disclosed the tragic incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, following an on-site inspection of the collapsed building. The ill-fated bungalow, originally approved for animal husbandry, succumbed to the forces of nature on Friday around 8 pm, shortly after a heavy downpour.
RECOMMENDED: Infrastructural Crisis Plague Emene Community High School in Enugu State
Anya revealed that the structure, which had undergone an unauthorized conversion into a residential building, was not fit for human habitation. The chairman disclosed that the collapsed building, which had a total of 44 rooms, was occupied by approximately 200 residents at the time of the incident.
In an emotionally charged statement, Anya commented on the irresponsibility surrounding the construction and use of the building, saying, “It was a disaster waiting to happen. The construction was irresponsible. The place should never have been occupied by human beings. In fact, go there and see."
SUGGESTED: Enugu Correctional Service Command registers 1,137 inmates for NECO
The ECTDA chairman pointed out that the collapsed building was initially designated for animal husbandry and poultry activities, but it was later revealed that it had been converted into a residential space without proper authorization. He criticized the unacceptable state of the fence line, emphasizing that such practices were a flagrant violation of building standards.
READ: Enugu State Vows Strong Backing for Naval Base, School, Hospital
"As soon as we got the intelligence, we rushed to the place. Four children died in the episode. Unfortunately, the people we lost in that tragedy are innocent children, and it is very painful," Anya added, expressing his condolences to the grieving family.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent building regulations and the need for regular inspections to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse to hold those responsible for the unauthorized construction accountable.
