Residents of Low-Cost Housing Estate in Umuahia, Abia State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Saturday after a three-storey building collapsed, injuring two people — including a baby.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred around 3am, affected a nearby bungalow where the injured victims were staying. They have since been taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has sealed off the premises while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway. The agency’s General Manager, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, visited the scene and thanked God that no lives were lost.

“We are grateful the baby and one adult survived,” Agomoh said. “Investigations have begun and anyone found responsible will face appropriate punishment.”

He added that integrity tests will be carried out on the two remaining three-storey buildings on the property to prevent further incidents.

Eyewitnesses and some residents, including Mr. Ugwumba Shedrack and Nkechi Uzochi, confirmed that the building had shown signs of weakness in the past. A security man, Babayu Adamu, also said reinforcement measures were once taken, though clearly not enough.

There are unconfirmed reports that the collapsed structure belongs to a former governorship candidate.

This incident adds to growing concerns over building safety and regulatory enforcement in urban areas, as residents urge the government to act swiftly to prevent future disasters.