Enugu State Police have arrested the owner of a property whose concrete water tank reservoir collapsed onto a neighbouring house in Nenwenta community, Awgu Local Government Area, killing five members of a family on September 18. The state police spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Thursday night, identifying the detained property owner as Onyedikachi Nkwo.
How the tragedy unfolded
Ndukwe said the command received reports of the incident at around 5:00 a.m. on September 18, with officers reaching the scene by 5:45 a.m. According to him, a reservoir attached to an uncompleted building gave way and crashed onto the adjoining house belonging to a neighbour, Raphael Onwu. Onwu, his wife, his mother, and two of his children died in the collapse. A 9-year-old boy who was also in the house survived and was taken to hospital for treatment by officers from the Awgu Division. Personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency and community members supported the rescue operation.
"The five deceased family members were recovered and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead before their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy," Ndukwe said.
Police investigation under way
The Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Giwa also extended his condolences to the victims' relatives and the wider community. He assured the public that appropriate action would follow once the investigation concludes, and called on Nigerians to avoid unsafe construction practices, urging compliance with approved safety standards and the use of qualified professionals for any building work.
The incident highlights the dangers of substandard building practices in residential areas. The police have not yet disclosed the specific charges Nkwo may face, but the investigation is expected to establish whether negligence or non-compliance with building regulations contributed to the collapse. The surviving 9-year-old boy remains in hospital, and the community continues to mourn the loss of the Onwu family.
