A potential disaster was averted in Edo State after a two-storey church building undergoing renovation collapsed in the Egor Local Government Area. The structure, which also housed the Faith Above Educational Academy, was located along Palace Road off Upper Siluko Road.
Officials Respond to Incident
Visiting the scene, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (EDBCA), Igabali Imoisili Darlington, revealed that the owners had been repeatedly warned to stop construction but ignored official directives. He stated that the collapse resulted in no casualties only because school activities were not in session at the time.
Building Sealed and Marked for Demolition
According to Darlington, the premises have now been sealed and marked for demolition. The property owner will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. “We have been here several times to warn them to stop work. We told them we cannot approve based on the circumstances of the property they are developing. They needed to do the right thing, but they ignored and continued,” he said.
He added that the structure did not comply with approved building standards, noting that officials had earlier rejected the building plan when the owner applied for approval. “We warned them, and they ignored us. The mixture rate is not acceptable. It is an old structure that was here,” he explained.
Government's Zero Tolerance Policy
Darlington stated that the government would maintain its stance on enforcement, emphasizing that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for non-compliance with building regulations. He further explained that the site would remain sealed pending further investigation and demolition procedures.
