Panic broke out in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, after a section of the First Bank building located on Library Avenue suddenly collapsed on Saturday afternoon.
The incident happened in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones, which houses several banks, offices, and shops.
The collapse sent traders and passersby running for safety as debris filled the street.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties remains unknown.
However, emergency responders and security operatives have arrived at the scene to assess the damage and secure the area.
An eyewitness said the collapse happened suddenly and without warning.
According to him, part of the building gave way during non-working hours, which likely reduced the number of people inside at the time.
“The building just started shaking, and before we knew it, part of it had fallen. People were shouting and running in fear,” the witness said.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the collapse or confirm if anyone was trapped in the debris. However, rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure public safety.
The collapse has caused traffic disruptions along Library Avenue as police and emergency officials cordoned off the area.
Residents and business owners nearby were advised to stay clear of the scene until structural engineers complete their assessment.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about the structural integrity of some commercial buildings across Nigerian cities.
Meanwhile, the Abia State government is expected to release a statement soon regarding safety measures and possible investigations into the incident.
Details coming
The post Panic as Building Collapses in Umuahia first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
