A two-storey church building undergoing renovation in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State has collapsed.

The building, located along Palace Road off Upper Siluko Road, also housed the Faith Above Educational Academy.

Visiting the scene of the incident, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (EDBCA), Igabali Imoisili Darlington, said the owners had been repeatedly warned to stop construction but ignored official directives.

He said disaster was only averted because school activities were not in session at the time of the collapse.

According to him, the premises have now been sealed and marked for demolition, while the property owner will be prosecuted as a deterrent to others.

“We have been here several times to warn them to stop work. We told them we cannot approve based on the circumstances of the property they are developing. They needed to do the right thing, but they ignored and continued,” he said.

He added that the structure was not in compliance with approved building standards, noting that officials had earlier rejected the building plan when the owner applied for approval.

“We warned them, and they ignored us. The mixture rate is not acceptable. It is an old structure that was here,” he said.

Igabali stated that the government would maintain its stance on enforcement, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for non-compliance with building regulations.

He further explained that the site would remain sealed pending further investigation and demolition procedures.