A wave of shock and panic swept through Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, after a section of the First Bank building located on Library Avenue suddenly collapsed earlier today. The incident, which occurred in the bustling commercial district of the city, sent residents, traders, and passersby scrambling for safety as debris and dust filled the air.
Eyewitnesses reported that the collapse happened unexpectedly, causing widespread fear and confusion. Library Avenue, one of the busiest streets in Umuahia, is home to several banks, offices, and shops, making it a high-traffic area for business activities.
According to accounts from those at the scene, a loud cracking sound was heard moments before part of the structure gave way. Within seconds, the affected section of the building crumbled, trapping some individuals inside and prompting a swift emergency response. Security operatives, local volunteers, and construction workers quickly joined efforts to rescue people who might have been caught in the collapse.
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As of press time, officials from the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other rescue teams had cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and to begin structural assessments. Bank officials also evacuated staff and customers to safety while the remaining part of the building was inspected for signs of further instability.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Chijioke, described the moment of the collapse as “terrifying.” He said, “I was withdrawing money from the ATM when I heard a loud noise. Everyone started shouting and running. We later saw that part of the building had fallen.”
Authorities have yet to confirm whether any casualties were recorded, but unofficial sources suggest that some individuals sustained minor injuries while trying to flee the scene. Emergency responders are still combing through the rubble to ensure that no one remains trapped beneath the debris.
The incident has raised serious questions about the structural integrity of some commercial buildings in Umuahia and across the state. Experts have called on the Abia State Government to conduct an urgent audit of aging buildings, particularly those housing financial institutions and offices with high human traffic.
A senior civil engineer who spoke on condition of anonymity stressed the importance of regular structural assessments and compliance with modern building codes. He noted that some older buildings in the city may not have undergone recent renovations or safety tests, making them vulnerable to such disasters.
Meanwhile, First Bank of Nigeria has reportedly launched an internal investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and assess the extent of the damage. The management assured customers that their banking services would continue through alternative branches and digital platforms while safety assessments are completed.
The Abia State Police Command has also deployed personnel to secure the area and maintain order, warning residents to stay away from the site to allow rescue and investigation teams to operate effectively.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over building safety standards in Nigeria, where cases of partial or total collapses have been reported in several cities in recent years. Poor construction materials, lack of proper supervision, and inadequate maintenance have often been cited as major contributing factors.
Residents and business owners in Umuahia have urged the government and relevant agencies to take immediate action to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of building regulations.
As investigations continue, many are thankful that the collapse did not result in a greater tragedy. For now, Library Avenue remains partially closed as engineers and safety officials assess the integrity of surrounding structures and clear debris from the affected site.
