The Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed three-storey Elite Five Star Lodge in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on Tuesday, the government expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said victims rescued from the rubble were receiving medical treatment.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said preliminary findings indicated that structural failure was the likely cause of the collapse, alleging that the building’s owners and management were aware of the defects but failed to address them.
He said the facility had been sealed to allow for a comprehensive technical and structural integrity assessment to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The commissioner also disclosed that the government had received intelligence about other potentially distressed buildings in the area and had ordered compulsory structural integrity tests on buildings surrounding the collapsed structure.
Ojukwu warned that anyone found responsible for the incident could face sanctions, including the revocation of the property’s Right of Occupancy and criminal prosecution where negligence is established.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing planning regulations and building safety standards across the state and urged developers, landlords and property owners to comply strictly with approved building plans and structural requirements.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to stay away from the sealed site and avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
The ministry said it would continue working with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies as the investigation continues.