LA devastating incident in Lekki, Lagos, has claimed the life of 30-year-old Cynthia Oguzie, barely two months after she moved into her new apartment.
Oguzie was reportedly killed after an overhead water tank crashed through the ceiling of her room while she was on her bed.
A short video obtained by PUNCH Metro showed Oguzie lying motionless, while a background voice insisted she was still alive at that moment.
Another clip revealed the mangled water tank and the collapsed structure, with accompanying photos later surfacing online, showing her lifeless body at what appeared to be a hospital.
The heartbreaking news was shared by Chukwuebuka Nathaniel, who introduced himself on Facebook as Oguzie’s brother.
He pointed fingers at shoddy construction work, blaming the incident on what he described as a substandard water stand.
“Beware of Lekki buildings and their water stands. This is how they sent my sister to her early grave. Thank you, so-called Lekki landlord, and your engineer for doing this type of water stand,” Nathaniel posted.
He further claimed that the landlord distanced himself from responsibility.
“The landlord said he is not in Nigeria, that it’s the engineer who built all the houses and sent him pictures and videos. This is how the story ended.”
While the Lagos State Police Command has not officially confirmed the incident, the videos and images have continued to circulate across social media, drawing public outcry and emotional tributes.
A funeral notice seen by PUNCH Metro indicates that Oguzie’s funeral service is scheduled for Friday, April 25.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command,, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated the event may not yet have reached the attention of the authorities.
Online reactions have been filled with anger and sorrow, with many Nigerians criticizing the perceived negligence by property developers and construction workers.
“Those engineers who don’t want to go through the mandatory training—most of them are not COREN certified,” wrote Facebook user Felix Amehnawon.
“Chai! What a pathetic way to die. May she RIP,” added Amaka Duru.
Another user, Benedict Chinonso, weighed in on the technical aspects,“There are specific pipes you should use for areas like this because of the salty water that rusts pipes over time. These people cut corners with cheaper materials just to make more profit. I hope someone pays for this so others will learn. This is sad.”
Charles Newton expressed anger at those responsible for the construction,“The welder who fabricated that substandard tank stand needs to have been in jail by now.”
“This is why you should engage your engineer during the finishing of your building. Very painful. May she rest in peace,” stated Ochuba Collins.
Chisom Nwankwo offered another angle on the systemic issues plaguing construction practices,“Landlords sometimes pay for original materials, but the workers end up buying fake ones just to keep the extra money.”
As of Tuesday evening, the Lagos State Government had not issued any statement regarding the tragedy. The incident continues to spark nationwide concern over building safety standards and the responsibilities of landlords and engineers alike.
