The Ebonyi State Government has ordered the demolition of a dangerously distressed building in Abakaliki and issued a fresh 21-day eviction notice to another property owner as part of a renewed crackdown on unsafe structures across the state.
The enforcement exercise, led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, followed an earlier inspection during which owners of distressed buildings were directed to either repair or demolish unsafe structures.
Demolition to Begin This Week
Speaking during the inspection, Idike disclosed that the 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to occupants of a one-storey building identified as structurally unsafe had expired.
He said the property owner had agreed to pull down the building, with demolition scheduled to commence within the week to prevent a possible collapse.
Fresh Notice Served on Another Property
The state task force also served a fresh 21-day evacuation and demolition notice on the owner of another deteriorating building located on Liberty Street in Abakaliki.
Officials said the building had developed serious structural defects and now poses a threat to residents and neighbouring properties.
Families Still Living in Unsafe Buildings
The government expressed concern that despite visible signs of structural failure, several families, including children, were still occupying the affected buildings.
Idike described the situation as dangerous and warned that the government would not tolerate actions capable of endangering lives.
He urged landlords and property owners to conduct regular structural integrity tests and comply with Ebonyi State’s town planning and building regulations.
Government Moves to Prevent Building Collapses
The commissioner said the enforcement exercise forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to prevent building collapses and improve public safety.
He stressed that the government would continue identifying and removing distressed structures to safeguard residents and ensure orderly urban development across the state.
