By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
*Govt Restricts Movement On 26 Sept For LG Polls
Enugu State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mamman Bitrus Giwa has ordered thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a concrete water reservoir that claimed the lives of five members of the same family.
The incident happened at Umuike-Aja village, Nenwenta community, Awgu Local Government Area (LGA) in the early hours of 18 September, 2026.
The owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey (male), has been arrested in connection with the tragic incident, police stated.
People&Politics gathered that 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 residents, rescued a nine-year-old male child, who was taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment.
The five family members were recovered and taken to hospital, where they were confirmed dead; subsequently, their remains were deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting, the CP condoled with the bereaved family and community, assuring 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.
Govt Restricts Movement On 26 Sept For LG Polls
Meanwhile, the State government disclosed that the State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) will conduct elections into the 17 Local Government Council Chairmanship and 260 Councillorship positions across the State on Saturday, 26 September, 2026.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the government emphasized that the decision is to ensure the peaceful, orderly, secure and hitch-free conduct of the elections.
The government also announced a restriction on vehicular movement and other forms of transportation across the State from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm on that day.
“Accordingly, there shall be no vehicular movement on the roads or other forms of transportation within the State during the period of the restriction, except persons and vehicles performing essential election-related and emergency services.
“Those exempt from the restriction shall include ENSIEC officials and accredited election personnel, security personnel duly deployed for election duties, accredited election observers, authorised media practitioners, health workers, ambulances, firefighters and other persons expressly authorised to perform essential election or emergency duties.
“The Government urges all residents of Enugu State, political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to comply fully with this directive and to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during and after the elections.
“The people of Enugu State are further encouraged to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and in accordance with the guidelines issued by ENSIEC and other relevant authorities.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of this directive and to maintain law and order throughout the elections.
“The State Government regrets the temporary inconvenience this restriction may cause and appreciates the understanding, cooperation and support of Ndi Enugu as the State works with ENSIEC and other relevant authorities to ensure peaceful, orderly, secure and successful local government elections,” Onyia stated.
