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, as investigations continue into the tragedy that claimed lives and injured several people.
According to Channels Television, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development said the affected building would remain sealed pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation. It added that survivors rescued from the rubble were receiving medical treatment.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary findings indicate that structural failure was the likely cause of the collapse. He alleged that the building’s owners and management were aware of the defects but failed to address them.
The commissioner said the government had commenced a detailed technical and structural integrity assessment to determine the exact cause of the incident. He also disclosed that intelligence reports had identified other potentially distressed buildings in the area, prompting compulsory structural integrity tests on neighbouring structures.
Ojukwu warned that anyone found responsible could face prosecution, while the government may revoke the Right of Occupancy on the affected property if negligence is established.
He urged developers, landlords and property owners to comply strictly with approved building plans and safety regulations to prevent similar incidents. Residents were also advised to stay away from the sealed site and avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt ongoing investigations.
The ministry said it would continue working 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 the investigation progresses.
