CITIZENS COMPASS— The Enugu State Police Command on Thursday, said it has arrested a landlord, Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey (male), following the death of five members of a family at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area of the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation following the death.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of September 18, 2026, when a concrete water reservoir collapsed on the family members.
The Police were said to have received information at about 5:45 a.m. of the fateful day, that the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted building, had collapsed onto the adjoining house of a neighbour, identified as Raphael Onwu (male). Onwu, his wife, mother and two children died in the incident.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said:
Police operatives from Awgu Division promptly mobilized to the scene and, with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, rescued a 9-year-old male child, who was taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment. The five deceased family members were recovered and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead before their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, one Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey (male), has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident.
The Commissioner of Police condoled with the bereaved family and community, and assured that appropriate action would follow the outcome of the investigation. He urged the public to avoid unsafe construction of any kind of structures and ensure compliance with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.
