ENUGU CP ORDERS INVESTIGATION AS POLICE ARREST BUILDING OWNER OVER DEATHS OF FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS IN AWGU RESERVOIR COLLAPSE

ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

ENUGU CP ORDERS INVESTIGATION AS POLICE ARREST BUILDING OWNER OVER DEATHS OF FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS IN AWGU RESERVOIR COLLAPSE

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five members of the same family at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, Awgu Local Government Area, in the early hours of September 18, 2026.

At about 5:45 a.m. of the same date, the Police received information that the reservoir, attached to an uncompleted 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.

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.

The Commissioner of Police condoled with 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.

SP DANIEL NDUKWE, mnipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
State Headquarters
GRA, Enugu
September 24, 2026