Anambra State building collapse prompts government crackdown on unsafe structures

A three‑storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, on Sunday night. The incident killed two people and trapped dozens of occupants for several hours. Survivors described the ordeal, with one survivor, Patrick Ejikeme, saying, “I thank God for giving me a second chance.”

The Anambra State Government, represented by Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary assessments point to structural failure as the likely cause. Ojukwu noted that the owners were aware of defects but prioritized profit over safety, and the site has been sealed pending a full investigation. The government reiterated its intolerance for non‑compliance with building regulations and warned it will take firm action against anyone found to have compromised building safety.

Residents were urged to report any suspected structural defects to authorities.