A one-storey commercial building located at Ikenga Ogidi along the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State has collapsed following persistent rainfall in the area.

The building, which reportedly housed eight shops near the Building Materials International Market, caved in on Saturday night during heavy rainfall.

Although no lives were lost, goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the incident.

Residents said traders and shop owners had already closed for the day before the structure collapsed.

Eyewitnesses blamed the collapse on severe erosion and poor drainage around the building.

According to one resident, the building had already begun tilting before it finally gave way due to continuous rainfall and flooding.

“There is an underground drainage that crosses from the right side of the expressway to the left side. The building was erected at the point where the underground water channel terminates,” the resident explained.

Another eyewitness claimed the structure was built on a blocked drainage path, making it difficult for floodwater to pass freely during heavy rains.

Residents have now called on the Anambra State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to prevent further construction in the area, warning that nearby structures could also be at risk.

Government officials who visited the scene on Monday reportedly began investigations to determine the cause of the collapse and whether the building received proper approval.

One official stated that authorities would investigate if standard building regulations were followed before construction.

The official also warned residents to remain cautious as the state continues to experience heavy rainfall and flooding.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, for comments were unsuccessful as of Monday.