The Akwa Ibom State government has ordered a probe into the collapse of a four-storey building at Imam Street, along Aka Road in Uyo, the state capital.
The building which was under construction collapsed on Saturday evening leaving at least two persons dead in the mishap and three others injured.
In a visit to the scene of the incident, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, commiserated with the families of deceased victims with a promise that the government would investigate the matter.
His words, “The governor is out of Uyo and he sends his condolences. I came here first and foremost to sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones and since I came this is the question I have been asking, ‘where are the relations?’
“We must also investigate why and how it happened, to ascertain the personalities that are involved, was the building approved? If yes, did they follow the specification? It is after the inquiry that the state government would know what to do, but like I said earlier, whoever violates the building regulations, the law must take its course.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr. Ini Ememobong, said the governor has directed the set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident.
In a statement on Sunday, he said, “The panel is to conclude its work within one month, and if it is found that the collapse of the building was as a result of any acts of negligence or wrongdoing, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law.”
“The Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has expressed his deepest condolences to the families whose relatives were trapped and eventually died in the collapsed building, while wishing the survivors a quick recovery.
“He has directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately take over the management of the survivors,” the commissioner added.
