Approximately 200 individuals, including students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), were saved from a potentially deadly situation when a three-storey building collapsed in the state capital. The rescue operation was conducted by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
Before the collapse, the ACTDA's development control unit had proactively evacuated all occupants from the deteriorating structure. Speaking to journalists after sealing off the building for further investigation, Henry Uchechukwu Nabolisa, Deputy Commandant in charge of Rapid Response, attributed the collapse to multiple soakaways surrounding the building, with more than 10 found on the premises.
Nabolisa urged residents to promptly report any signs of structural instability to authorities to ensure swift intervention. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in this incident.
Officials from the ACTDA, the State Ministry of Environment, and the rescued occupants were present at the scene during the time of the report. Additionally, the ACTDA sealed off a nearby two-storey building, known as Golden Lodge, which had shown signs of cracking, to prevent a similar disaster.
