By
Gloria Josiah
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a building owner following the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five persons from one family in Awgu Local Government Area.
The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, September 18, 2026, at Umuike-Aja village, Nenwenta community.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed a full investigation into the tragedy.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command said it received a report that a water reservoir built on an uncompleted structure caved in and fell on the neighbouring house belonging to one Raphael Onwu.
The collapse led to the death of Onwu, his wife, his mother, and two of his children.
A team of policemen from Awgu Division, assisted by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and members of the community, responded to the distress call and rescued a 9-year-old boy from the rubble. He was taken to the hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The remains of the five victims were evacuated to the hospital where they were confirmed dead and later deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The owner of the structure where the reservoir was erected has been identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey and is currently in police custody.
CP Giwa expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Nenwenta community, assuring that the Command will take necessary action once investigation is concluded.
He also cautioned residents against substandard building practices, urging them to adhere strictly to safety regulations and engage certified professionals for construction works.
