Edo Construction Tragedy: Hotel Owner Crushed to Death After Site Collapse Despite Repeated Safety Concerns from Neighbours [VIDEO]

 

A devastating tragedy has struck the peaceful Idumoza community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, where a hotel building under construction collapsed, killing its owner, Mr. Harrison Isesere. The incident, which occurred on Friday, August 1, 2025, has left many in shock and mourning as the late businessman was said to have been deeply involved in the ongoing construction when the disaster happened.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that over 20 workers were present on site during the collapse but narrowly escaped death. While several of them sustained minor injuries, they managed to flee the collapsing structure seconds before it crumbled completely. Unfortunately, Mr. Isesere, who was reportedly inside the building at the time, was not so lucky. His lifeless body was recovered from the rubble on the morning of Sunday, August 3, following two days of intense search and rescue efforts.

Long before the collapse, concerns had been raised about the structural integrity of the hotel building. Residents of the community said they had expressed worry over the quality of materials being used during the construction phase. Several locals claim to have advised the late Mr. Isesere to prioritize safety and durability by using standard materials and involving professional engineers, but their concerns allegedly fell on deaf ears.

Mr. Andrew Inegbebor, a neighbour and resident of Idumoza, did not mince words when speaking to journalists about the incident. He stated that the deceased hotel owner chose to cut corners by opting for 12mm rods instead of the recommended 16mm for the pillars. According to him, there was also no reinforcement base, commonly referred to as base baskets, at the foundation of the columns – a critical omission that may have ultimately led to the building’s failure.

“There was no qualified engineer supervising the work,” Inegbebor explained with frustration. “It was the owner himself managing the site. People talked, people warned him, but he wanted to save costs. Now he’s paid the ultimate price.”

The hotel project was said to be a personal dream of Mr. Isesere, who had invested a significant portion of his resources into the venture. Locals say he was passionate about the project and was often seen on-site, giving instructions and working closely with the laborers. However, that same closeness may have cost him his life, as he was inside the structure on the day of the collapse, overseeing operations as usual.

Emergency response was delayed, partly due to limited equipment and logistical challenges. It took two full days before the remains of the deceased could be extracted from beneath the debris. By then, hope of finding any additional survivors had already faded. The community watched with heavy hearts as the recovery team pulled out Mr. Isesere’s body, confirming the worst fears.

As news of the incident spreads, questions are being raised over regulatory oversight and enforcement of building standards in the area. While some blame the personal choices of the late hotel owner, others believe local authorities also have a role to play in monitoring construction projects and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.

A structural engineer from Benin City, who preferred not to be named, said such tragedies are avoidable when proper processes are followed. “You cannot substitute standards for shortcuts,” he emphasized. “A building is only as strong as the materials and planning behind it. When people take engineering into their own hands, this is often the outcome.”

Local authorities have yet to release an official statement, but community members are urging the Esan North-East Local Government to initiate an investigation. They are also calling for a renewed emphasis on building regulation enforcement, especially as construction activity increases across the region.

The late Mr. Isesere is remembered as a man of ambition and vision, but whose final project ended in fatal irony. As family members mourn his loss, and residents come to terms with the incident, the hope remains that this tragedy serves as a powerful lesson. Structural safety is not just a recommendation – it is a non-negotiable requirement that can mean the difference between life and death.

The site of the collapse now lies silent, a grim reminder of what happens when warnings are ignored and safety is compromised.