A two-story Abia structure with structural flaws was dismantled.

In an effort to save lives and property, the Abia State Government demolished a two-story building in Umuahia, the state capital, on Saturday.

The structurally flawed building was demolished by a quick response team that included the Ministries of Lands and Housing, Power & Public Utilities, and Works, as well as the Nigerian Police Force, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, the Abia State Fire Service, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

After residents heard the alarm and quickly left the building due to apparent structural flaws, the building at No. 5 Akanu Street (across from FCMB, next to Government House) in Umuahia was demolished. The property was wedged between two other structures.

Speaking to reporters soon after the demolition, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, emphasised that saving lives was the main goal of the drill.

“In order to maintain public safety and guarantee that no casualties were reported, the UCDA promptly cordoned off the area, the fire department stopped the road, and the Nigeria Police evacuated everyone in the vicinity.

“The building was demolished quickly, minimising damage to surrounding structures, after the initial efforts to strip the building block by block, in order to preserve the surrounding structures, was deemed unsafe,” he said.

Speaking next, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, the Commissioner of Power and Public Utilities, thanked God that no lives were lost and urged builders to always choose specialists. He also stated that the current administration in the state believes in due process.