Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called for a thorough investigation into the recent collapse of a hostel building at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo. The unfortunate incident, which has raised serious safety concerns, prompted the governor to order an in-depth inquiry aimed at uncovering the root causes of the tragedy and ensuring accountability.

Expressing his distress over the incident, Governor Nwifuru lamented the recurring issue of building collapses in Nigeria, attributing them largely to human negligence, substandard construction methods, and a blatant disregard for established building codes and safety regulations. He stressed that such collapses, often preventable, continue to endanger the lives of innocent citizens and undermine public confidence in the construction industry.

“It is extremely disheartening to hear about the collapse of buildings in a time like this, when we have skilled professionals and set standards meant to guarantee safety,” the governor remarked. He urged all developers and construction professionals to strictly adhere to regulatory requirements, emphasizing that approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Capital City Development before any construction begins. According to him, protecting human life must take precedence over cost-cutting or speed in construction.

He further called on professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institute of Building to uphold their roles in ensuring best practices within the construction industry. Their responsibility, he said, is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that building failures become a thing of the past.

Governor Nwifuru assured the public that any individuals or organizations found responsible for the building collapse will be held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He concluded by advising developers across the state to prioritize safety by engaging qualified professionals for all construction projects.