Reported by FaceToface TV | Location: Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
A somber mood swept through the city of Aba on Tuesday following a devastating incident near Salad Market along Aba-Owerri Road. A massive billboard collapsed after hours of relentless rainfall, crushing several tricycles (Keke Napeps) parked in the area and tragically claiming at least one life.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and footage circulating on social media — particularly from the page of Uwaoma Susan Joseph — the towering billboard came crashing down in the aftermath of a storm. The incident occurred in one of Aba’s most vibrant areas, turning a typically busy road into a scene of chaos and despair.
Local residents and traders in the area say the heavy rains softened the soil and revealed the poor construction of the billboard’s base. Shockingly, the massive steel structure was reportedly held up by just three weak iron columns, raising serious concerns about engineering quality and oversight by regulatory bodies.
Those who witnessed the tragedy firsthand say the collapse was avoidable.
“This didn’t need to happen,” said a grieving eyewitness. “We’ve always feared that structure. You could see it wasn’t firmly grounded. Why was it approved in the first place?”
Photos from the scene show twisted metal, broken tricycles, and bystanders in visible distress. Rescue efforts were launched immediately with construction workers and passersby using basic tools and bare hands to lift the wreckage. One individual was confirmed dead on the scene, while another was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
This heart-wrenching incident is more than just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. The poor construction and lack of proper regulation for billboards and similar infrastructure in urban areas pose a grave risk to public safety.
Urban planners, government agencies, and advertising companies must be held to higher standards. The lives of innocent citizens must not be endangered in the name of profit or negligence.
At FaceToface TV, we are committed to highlighting the voices of the people, exposing lapses in governance, and demanding accountability. We urge the Abia State Government, the Aba Town Planning Authority, and all relevant bodies to:
- Launch an immediate investigation into the billboard collapse.
- Audit all large billboard structures across Aba for compliance with safety standards.
- Hold those responsible accountable to prevent future occurrences.
As we mourn with the families of the victims, we also shine a light on the dangerous conditions still present in many Nigerian cities. Let this be the last time negligence leads to avoidable death in our communities.
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