A tragic building collapse in the early hours of Thursday has claimed the lives of a mother and her daughter at Emeka Ugwuanyi Street, Anata-Anaba, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The victims were identified as Mrs Happiness Ugagu and her daughter, Miss Confidence Chiamaka Ugagu, who reportedly died before help could reach them.
Following the incident, officials of the Anambra State Government sealed off the scene as residents and concerned members of the public continued to gather at the site.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Chief Nnamdi Ifejika, popularly known as SINGA, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the mother and daughter.
Ifejika personally led a delegation from the local government to the scene, where he assessed the situation and interacted with residents and individuals involved in the response efforts.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, the council chairman said the deaths had brought immense pain to the bereaved family and the wider community.
He said, “This is a very painful and heartbreaking moment for us as a people. We cannot begin to imagine the pain of losing a mother and her daughter in such a tragic circumstance. Our hearts are with the family of Mrs Happiness Ugagu at this very difficult time.”
The chairman commended residents, first responders and other individuals who mobilised to the scene following the collapse, acknowledging their efforts in responding to the emergency.
He also directed that the situation be closely monitored and called for the involvement of relevant authorities and emergency agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ifejika further stressed the need for increased vigilance regarding the structural condition of buildings across Ogbaru Local Government Area, particularly structures that could endanger residents and surrounding communities.
He emphasised the importance of identifying potential structural risks and engaging the appropriate authorities to help prevent similar tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of the mother and daughter, attention is expected to focus on investigations into the cause of the collapse and measures to prevent future occurrences.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
MUK TV News | Keeping You Informed
