From TCNEWS

As investigations begin into the collapse of a three-storey building in Umuahia, Abia State, a property law expert has called for a comprehensive probe that goes beyond technical and regulatory factors.

The building, which collapsed in the early hours of Saturday, left residents shocked, but miraculously, a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Ugochukwu, and her two children survived the incident. The tragedy has prompted widespread concern and triggered investigations by both the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday, Barrister Goodman Iheikwunacho, a legal practitioner and property expert based in Umuahia, emphasized the need for investigators to take a broad and unbiased approach.

“It is important that investigators do not limit their findings to structural defects or violations of building codes alone,” Iheikwunacho said. “There could be other factors at play, human, political, or even intentional sabotage. All possibilities must be explored.”

He urged authorities to consider testimonies from nearby residents who reportedly heard a loud sound, described by some as a thunderclap, and by others as an explosion before the building gave way.

The collapsed building is linked to Chief Ikechi Emenike, a prominent political figure and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 Abia State elections. While no official statement has connected the incident to foul play, Iheikwunacho believes that “given the high political stakes, all potential leads, including non-structural motives should be scrutinized.”

Both the state government and COREN have deployed teams to the site for assessment, with more detailed investigations expected in the coming weeks. Preliminary findings have yet to be released.

Meanwhile, the Abia State government has announced plans to conduct integrity tests on the remaining buildings within the affected property and across Umuahia. All structures higher than two floors will undergo safety inspections to prevent further incidents.

In a statement, the UCDA confirmed:

“This measure is to ensure that residents are safe and that building collapses become a thing of the past in our state.”