By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered full-scale investigations into the circumstances that led to the collapse of a hostel building at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo.

The Governor noted that most building collapses are as a result of human error and non-compliance with building codes, a development which he said has posed serious danger to human lives.

“It is disheartening to hear about building collapse in this era when we have skilled manpower and well established professional standards,” the Governor lamented.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakalili.

Nwifuru, who attributed incessant building collapse in the country to poor construction practices and flagrant disregard to building codes, charged relevant bodies and agencies to step up monitoring and supervision of building projects from foundation to completion.

“I have directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to ensure any developer wishing to embark on building projects must get approval. Lives of our people are precious and cannot be compromised under any guise.”

“The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Building and other regulatory agencies should note that their integrity is at stake. Therefore, I urge them to ensure that building collapse becomes a thing of the past in this country,” the Governor said.

He assured that after the investigation, anyone found culpable in the incident will be made to face the law and advised developers to always engage professionals in the execution of their building projects