Tragedy in Anambra: Mother, 14-Year-Old Daughter Killed as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Okpoko

By Praise Chinecherem

A mother and her 14-year-old daughter have died after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on their residence in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, amid allegations that warnings about the structure’s safety were ignored.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:45 p.m. in the Anata Anaba area of Okpoko, claiming the lives of Mrs. Happiness Ugoagu and her daughter, Chikaima, who were said to have been asleep in their bedroom when the building came crashing down.

AnambraDaily gathered that the construction site was located on waterlogged land and that an engineer initially engaged for the project had reportedly advised that the building should not exceed two storeys because of the soil conditions.

However, another engineer was allegedly engaged to continue the project to three storeys despite the earlier warning.

Chimobi Ugoagu, son of the deceased woman, said three members of his family were in the apartment when the building collapsed.

According to him, he was outside the apartment while his siblings were in the sitting room, but his mother and sister were inside the bedroom directly beneath the collapsing structure.

He alleged that residents had repeatedly warned the builder about the potential danger but their concerns were ignored.

“I had personally, together with other residents, warned the builder about the danger and called for the project to be stopped. But all our appeals were ignored,” Chimobi said.

Anambra Government Orders Demolition of Building

The Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, visited the scene and described the incident as unfortunate.

Ojukwu alleged that substandard building materials had been used in the construction and disclosed that a stop-work notice had previously been issued on the structure.

He reportedly described the building as illegal and ordered its demolition, alongside other unapproved buildings under construction in the area.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged disregard of the stop-work notice and the reported warnings about the soil conditions are expected to form part of the issues requiring further investigation.

Ogbaru Mayor Mourns Victims, Calls for Building Safety

The Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Nnamdi Ifejika, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as a devastating loss for the bereaved family and the wider Okpoko community.

Ifejika personally led a visit to the scene, where he extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.

“This is a very painful and heartbreaking moment for us as a people. We cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a mother and her daughter in such a tragic circumstance.

“Our hearts are with the family of Mrs. Happiness Ugoagu at this very difficult time,” the council chairman said.

He commended residents, first responders and others who mobilised to the scene, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to protect lives and assist those affected by emergencies.

The chairman also directed that the situation be closely monitored and that the relevant authorities and agencies be engaged to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

He emphasised the need for increased vigilance over the structural integrity of buildings across Ogbaru, particularly structures that could endanger residents and neighbouring communities.

“The safety of our people must remain our collective responsibility. We must take building standards, structural integrity and public safety seriously. Where there are concerns, they must be reported and properly investigated before tragedy strikes,” Ifejika stated.

Council Pledges Support for Bereaved Family

Beyond the immediate response, Ifejika assured the bereaved family and the Okpoko community that the local government would continue to monitor developments and provide support within its capacity.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel and relevant authorities as assessment and recovery efforts continued.

The council chairman also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their family the strength to bear the loss.

He extended his condolences to the entire Okpoko community, noting that the tragedy had affected not only one household but the wider community.

The deaths have renewed concerns over building safety, compliance with planning regulations and the enforcement of construction standards, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions.

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