In Edo State, Nigeria, tragedy struck when a one-storey hotel building under construction collapsed, killing its owner and sparking discussions about construction safety in Nigeria.
A Tragic Incident in Idumoza Community
On the evening of August 1, 2025, residents of Idumoza, Uromi (Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State) were thrown into shock as a hotel project, still at the roofing stage, suddenly gave way. The collapse claimed the life of Andrew Isesere, the property owner, who was on site inspecting work.
Eyewitnesses reported that about 20 workers who were at the site narrowly escaped death, running for safety as the structure crumbled. It took rescue efforts until Sunday morning, August 3, 2025, before Andrew’s lifeless body was recovered from the rubble.
Suspected Cause: Substandard Materials and Poor Supervision
Local residents and eyewitnesses did not hold back on their observations. Many alleged that substandard construction materials were used for the hotel project:
12mm iron rods reportedly used instead of the standard 16mm reinforcement rods.
No base basket reinforcement was installed in the building’s pillars.
Even more troubling is the fact that there was no qualified structural engineer supervising the project. Instead, the late owner was said to have personally overseen the construction without following standard engineering safety practices.
Community Warnings Ignored
According to locals, the late Andrew Isesere had been warned multiple times about the dangers of cutting corners with building materials and avoiding professional supervision. Unfortunately, those warnings went unheeded, ending in a tragic collapse that cost him his life.
Police and Official Reaction
At the time of the initial reports, the Edo State Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated that he had not yet been fully briefed on the incident. However, community members and local engineers are calling for stricter building regulations to avoid such tragedies.
A Recurring Problem in Nigeria
This incident is not isolated. Building collapses have been a recurring nightmare in Nigeria. In fact, according to a 2024 COREN report, there were 22 building collapse incidents nationwide within the first seven months of that year alone, killing 42 people. Experts have consistently attributed these collapses to factors such as the use of substandard materials, lack of professional supervision, and poor regulatory enforcement.
Lessons to Learn
Never cut corners: Cheaper materials might save costs in the short term but can lead to deadly consequences.
Hire certified professionals: Qualified engineers and supervisors are essential to ensure structural safety.
Community involvement: When residents raise safety concerns, they should be taken seriously.
Final Thoughts
The collapse of the Uromi hotel is a sad reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety over cost-cutting and shortcuts in construction. While 20 workers miraculously escaped unharmed, the life lost highlights why strict adherence to engineering standards and regulatory oversight is non-negotiable.
Until Nigeria’s construction industry fully embraces professionalism and proper regulation, tragic events like this may continue to happen.
