By Bako Christopher
Enugu, Nigeria – The Enugu State Police Command has arrested the owner of a building whose concrete water reservoir collapsed and killed five members of the same family in Awgu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic incident which occurred at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, in the early hours of September 18, 2026.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu State Command, they received information that a reservoir attached to an unfinished building collapsed onto the adjoining house of one Raphael Onwu.
Onwu, his wife, his mother and two of his children died in the collapse.
Operatives from Awgu Division who mobilised to the scene, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, rescued a 9-year-old boy who was rushed to hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
The bodies of the five deceased family members were recovered and taken to hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
CP Giwa commiserated with the bereaved family and the Nenwenta community and assured them that appropriate action would be taken at the conclusion of the investigation.
He urged members of the public to desist from unsafe construction practices and ensure compliance with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.
