- Says no casualties reported
The Abia State Government has set up an Independent Investigative Committee (IIC) to establish what caused the collapse of a section of the Aba Shopping Centre under reconstruction.
The Director-General of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Uche Ukeje, said that the independent committee, led by Felix C. Nnabugwu, comprises members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Nigerian Institute of Builders.
Ukeje said the Committee is mandated to carry out a comprehensive and unbiased professional assessment and investigation of the incident at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre reconstruction site and bring out its report within two weeks.
He said the Committee’s report will be made public immediately it is received.
Meanwhile, GADA officials who visited the site of the incident on Wednesday have sealed off the construction site to stop any further work until the investigation is concluded.
Ukeje, however, said following the Committee’s preliminary findings from their visit to the site, the chairman confirmed there was no structural collapse and no reported fatalities.
The government urged the public to ignore any misinformation and contradicting reports.