The Ebonyi State Government has stepped up enforcement against unsafe and deteriorating buildings across Abakaliki as part of a renewed effort to prevent building collapses and safeguard lives and property.
The exercise was led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Martina Obya, the Head of Town Planning, Mrs. Esther Nwite, and members of the state task force on urban planning.
The latest inspection followed an earlier operation carried out on July 7, during which owners and occupants of structurally distressed buildings were issued notices to vacate or demolish unsafe properties within 21 days.
During the enforcement exercise, officials inspected a one-storey building in Abakaliki that was identified as a serious safety hazard. According to Idike, the 21-day evacuation notice had expired, and after discussions with the property owner, demolition of the building is expected to commence within the week.
The task force also issued a fresh 21-day eviction and demolition notice to the owner of another severely deteriorated building located on Liberty Street after determining that the structure posed an immediate risk to public safety.
Government officials expressed concern that despite visible structural defects, several families, including children, were still living in some of the affected buildings, exposing themselves to potential danger.
Speaking during the inspection, Idike condemned the continued occupation of unsafe structures and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preventing avoidable disasters caused by neglected buildings.
He urged property owners across the state to conduct regular structural integrity assessments and ensure full compliance with Ebonyi State’s urban planning and building regulations.
The intensified enforcement forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve urban safety, strengthen compliance with planning laws, and reduce the risk of building collapse across the state.
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