Abia Building Collapse: “Aba Does Not Have Requisite Equipment for Effective Rescue Operation” – Ichita Cries Out 

The honorable representing Aba South State constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Honorable Obinna Ichita has cried out that it is extremely unacceptable that a city like Aba does not have the requisite facilities/ equipment for effective rescue operation. The honorable member stated this in a publication he posted on his social media handle, which was also made available to AFNEWS.

 UPDATE: Abia: Building Collapse in Aba, Five feared dead |SEE PHOTO & VIDEO 

In the said publication, the Ichita expressed his frustation on other issues including the total absence of Abia State Fire Service throughout the rescue period. He equally appreciated first responders, this includes the Area Commander of the Aba Area Command of the Nigerian Police and his officers and men, The Management staff of Aba South LGA, the Red Cross Society, The staffers of the Health Department of Aba South LGA, the DSS, the Army and of course, the industrious people of Aba.

READ FULL PUBLICATION BELOW:

Today, in company of the minority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Obah, I visited the site of the collapsed building in Azikiwe road, Aba. While I do not wish to delve into the structural integrity of the building ( or the lack thereof), I wish to be recorded as holden that it is extremely unacceptable that a city like Aba does not have the requisite facilities/ equipment for effective rescue operation.

This is another sad reminder that we do not seem to attach premium to the sanctitity of life .

Recently, there have been accusations and allegations of poor construction works in crowded areas like markets. Sadly, most of these structures do not have approved building plans.

Must we always sacrifice quality for profit ?

Ikpeazu continues projects inspection, commissions two more roads |PHOTOS

While I must commend the first responders: The Area Commander of the Aba Area Command of the Nigerian Police and his officers and men, The Management staff of Aba South LGA, the Red Cross Society, The staffers of the Health Department of Aba South LGA, the DSS, the Army and of course, the industrious people of Aba, I make haste to say that the tenacity you exhibited today was legendary.

For me, the greatest shock was the absence of the men of state fire service, who should co-ordinate and direct the rescue operation. Sadly, they were visibly absent. Whatever might be their reason for not coming, does not justify this dereliction of duty.

In conclusion, I call on all Federal lawmakers from Abia State (across party lines) to make a strong case for the establishment of a Federal Fire Service Station in Aba, especially since Abia has been recognized as the SME Capital of the Federal Republic.

Abia PDP Chairman: Chris Odinaka Igwe Congratulates Asiforo Okere

Never again shall we look so helpless while our compatriots are trapped under the rubbles of a collapsed structure.

Never again shall we sit and watch all we called our own destroyed by fire.

On behalf of the people of Aba South Constituency, I commiserate with the family members of the victims . May the good lord comfort them and may the souls of the departed Rest In Peace. Amen.

#Abaneedsfederalfireservice

Remember, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered for the total demolition of the said building and also stated that everyone involved will be prosecuted.

Collapsed building in Aba: Abia government vows to prosecute those responsible