Ebonyi Building Collapse: Govt Orders Evacuation Of All Students In The Twin 3 Storey Hostel
Ebonyi State Government has directed all students residing at the Twin 3 Storey Hostel building, (Pentagon Lodge) to immediately vacate the building following the partial collapse of the building and the danger posed to the students.
Briefing journalists shortly after inspecting the damage done on the building and the properties destroyed, the State Commissioners for Capital City Development, Chief Sunday Inyima, his Housing counterpart, Mr. Francis Ori and that of Internal Security, Chief Eta Uka said that security agencies has been mobilized to ensure the students obey the directive.
They noted that the State Government has also provided an alternative accomodations for both the male and the female students within the school environment adding that from preliminary investigation, it is not safe for any student to spend another hour within the building as nobody is certain what will happen next.
“We must commend the State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his proactive stand on the building collapse. Immediately he got information on the collapse building, he mobilized the commissioners of the relevant Ministries to visit the scene and ascertain the level of destruction.
“We came here, first sealed off the building and directed all students residing in the Hostel to vacate immediately. We didn’t stop at that, through the collaboration of the School Management, we were able to get them an alternative accomodations inside the school.
“We have set up a panel of inquiry to look at the remote and immediate cause of the collapse. The panel is to also look at the welfare of the students that has been displaced. We have also commence investigation and Integrity Test on the building. We need to ascertain what actually happened and by Monday, we intend to submit the report to the Governor.
“The Commissioner for Internal Security has been directed to mobilize security agencies to ensure that no student is seen around that building. We can’t afford to loss anyone.
“It would be recalled that over 70 students occupying a hostel escaped death by the whiskers following the partial collapse of the 3 storey hostel housing them collapsed at Izzangbo Ohankwu Village, near the university in Ikwo.
The Hostel owned by a private developer collapsed following visible cracks on the walls and deckings which were not attended to by the owners despite reports by the occupants.
An Eyewitness who spoke to TopNews explained that the collapsed hostel abinitio trapped two students who were rescued following urgent intervention by first responders.
Reacting to the ugly incident, The Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof Sunday Elom lamented the manner private buildings are constructed without proper, supervision, monitoring and enforcement of building codes by relevant agencies, warning that if not checked , it may lead to further avoidable disasters.
He called on relevant government agencies to ensure strict enforcement of construction standards to ensure that buildings are properly designed and constructed to avoid indiscriminate collapse, which may lead to injury or loss lives and property.
Professor Elom therefore called on the Ebonyi state government to institute a full investigation into the hostel collapse to ascertain the probable causes of the collapse in order to punish anyone found culpable, and to serve as deterrent to corrupt regulators, contractors, engineers and others who may have cut corners, leading to the disaster.
The Vice-Chancellor further used the opportunity to sympathise with the students who might have lost or have their property trapped in the rubbles, and thanked God for preserving them, as there was no loss of life.
He further assured of his administration’s support to the affected students, directing them to liaise with the Student Union Government and the Dean of Students Affairs for proper documentation, and immediate support from the management.
“The Hostel does not belong to the University. Though it was housing some students as at the time of Collapse.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is currently in its custody over an ongoing investigation.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued just before midnight on Wednesday. The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications and Spokesperson of the Commission.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former Governor of Kaduna state is in our custody. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations,” Odey said.
The ICPC did not provide further details about the nature of the investigation or how long the former governor may remain in custody.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved 50 Christians from the state to embark on a holy pilgrimage, ending an 11-year suspension of the programme.
The Christian pilgrimage scheme was halted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped.
The move generated controversy within sections of the Christian community at the time.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Ma’aji Bawa, commended the governor for what he described as a bold and inclusive decision.
“We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to commence pilgrimage after 11 years.
“This decision has restored hope and strengthened the confidence of Christians in the state,” Bawa said.
He described the approval as a significant first step, adding, “Although the number is 50 for now, we believe it is a foundation to build upon. We trust that the government will gradually increase the number so more faithful can participate.”
Bawa emphasised that pilgrimage is a sacred spiritual obligation.
“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree. Those going for pilgrimage are embarking on a spiritual journey to seek God’s face. They will pray for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” the cleric said.
He noted that the restoration of the programme demonstrated the government’s recognition of the role of faith in society.
“This gesture shows inclusiveness and respect for religious diversity. It strengthens the relationship between the government and the Christian community,” he added.
Bawa called for transparency in the selection process, stressing that only spiritually committed and responsible individuals should be chosen.
“We expect a credible and transparent process. Those selected must understand the purpose of pilgrimage and represent the state with dignity.”
He also urged Christians to remain prayerful, law-abiding, and supportive of government policies:
“As believers, we must continue to obey the laws of the land and support initiatives that promote unity and development. We also have a duty to pray for our leaders and the progress of our state,” he said.
Former lawmaker for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, also described the resumption of Christian pilgrims’ activities after 11 years as commendable.
Sani, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, said the development reflected the fair and equitable leadership of the incumbent governor, compared with previous administrations.
A former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has accused the incumbent government of buying over state institutions as well as those he described as non-performing state governors.
He made the allegation at a protest against the Senate’s approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Speaking during the protest, he said, “Is there anybody that is sidelined in Tinubu’s government? A government that is going about buying people. It has even bought non-performing governors to its side. Where does that government get the concept to sideline?
“A government that is desperately looking for people for endorsement. It has been endorsed by almost everybody. Bandits have even endorsed it. Bandit Turji has registered as a member of APC.
“The governors are defecting. INEC may defect. The Supreme Court will defect. Police will defect. The Army will defect. Is it a desperate government that can sideline anybody? Not certainly, not at all. Is it a credible government that will set the boundaries for people and sideline? But this one that is already sinking, a sinking ship,” he said.