Five family members have died when a concrete water reservoir collapsed on them at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area, in the early hours of September 18, 2026, police spokesman SP Daniel Ndukwe said in a press release.
He said that the tragic incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on the same date, when the Police received information that the reservoir, attached to an incomplete 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, Ndukwe said.
Ndukwe said that the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, had ordered “a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five family members.
He said that 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.
According to the spokesman, the Commissioner of Police consoled 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.
