Two persons have reportedly been killed and several families displaced following the collapse of buildings allegedly triggered by rainwater diverted into residential areas during construction works along the Ataobong bypass axis of the East-West Road project in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The affected families, who blamed the development on the ongoing Phase IV of the federal road project, are now seeking N1 billion in damages over the alleged loss of lives, homes, businesses and property, as well as what they described as prolonged failure to pay compensation for acquired lands and buildings.

One of the reported fatalities occurred when a building collapsed during a night rainfall, killing Isaac Nkenyie, while another child was reportedly killed after a neighbouring building collapsed in the same vicinity.

The development has left the bereaved families facing severe hardship, with Rita Isaac Nkenyie, widow of the deceased, saying she had been struggling to provide food, accommodation and education for her children since the death of her husband, who she described as the family breadwinner.

“Since our house collapsed in the night and killed my husband, I have no place to live with my children,” she said, adding that hunger and inability to pay school fees had forced her to withdraw her children from private schools to a public primary school.

The affected property owners, led by Daniel Sunday Etukudoh, Monday Edoho, Anietie Henry Edoho and Miriam Ekaso, have instituted Suit No. HEK/20/2026 against the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi; Gitto Construczioni General Nigeria Ltd.; and the Akwa Ibom State Government, over the alleged failure to fully compensate them for properties affected by the project.

The claimants are asking the court to compel the defendants to pay compensation for lands and houses already assessed and marked for payment, while also seeking N1 billion in general damages for trauma, loss of loved ones, resources and businesses allegedly resulting from the acquisition of their properties without full compensation.

The Estate Valuer engaged by the state government, Iniama and Associates, was also accused by the claimants of commencing compensation payments before allegedly stopping midway. However, the Principal/Managing Partner of the firm, Hon. James Iniama, confirmed in a telephone interview that compensation payments had commenced but were later stopped, saying he could not explain why some property owners were not paid.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Eyibio Okon, said the legal action would be pursued to its conclusion, stressing that the bereaved families and other affected property owners deserved justice.

“There must be justice to all parties in the case and we are out to ensure there is justice to all,” Okon said.

The matter was adjourned until October 20, 2026, for hearing.