Worker Recounts Narrow Escape in Ebonyi Building Collapse

Nkwegu Shadrach, a menial laborer, recounted his near-death experience following the collapse of a three-story building on Tuesday evening in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The building, located at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki I, collapsed while construction workers, including mason Celestine Arua and a deaf and dumb laborer Egwu Ogbonnia, were working inside.

Owned by Ukie Ezeali, a member of the Ebonyi House of Assembly representing Afikpo North/East State Constituency, the building crumbled to its foundation. Shadrach, who was supplying mixed concrete to the workers, narrowly escaped the collapse.

Rescue efforts led by officials from the state Ministry of Capital Territory, Ministry of Works, and security agencies freed the trapped workers after several hours. Both Arua and Ogbonnia are currently hospitalized at the AE-FUTHA II’s Accident and Emergency Unit and are responding to treatment.

Shadrach expressed gratitude for his and the workers’ survival, recounting, “I was carrying the last bucket of mixed concrete when I turned and saw the building collapse. Thankfully, I was outside when it happened.”

The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria condemned the incident, citing the use of substandard materials and poor workmanship. Zonal Coordinator Nwekete Chinasa-Jonathan noted, “The materials and mixtures used were substandard, contributing to the collapse.”

The Commissioner for Capital Territory Development Authority, Sunday Inyima, confirmed the arrest of two individuals connected to the building. “The police and professional bodies are investigating the incident, and the building owner has been asked to come forward for questioning,” Inyima stated.