A two-storey building under construction collapsed today in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, resulting in one confirmed death and leaving another worker severely injured. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time and marks the second building collapse in the region within a week.
Eyewitnesses reported that the structure gave way while construction workers were on the second floor. The deceased has been identified as Udeme, a young man from Akwa Ibom State. Another worker narrowly escaped death but sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was due to the use of substandard materials and inadequate construction practices. Eyewitness Jonathan Obey highlighted concerns about the building's foundation and structural supports, stating that low-quality rods and insufficient cement were used, which ultimately led to the tragedy.
In response to this devastating incident, Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the site and ordered it sealed. He condemned the negligence of the developer, declaring him wanted for failing to obtain necessary government approvals and for using unsafe materials in construction. “This is unacceptable. We must use him as an example,” Bipi stated, emphasizing that such disregard for safety regulations will not be tolerated.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to the victim's family and assured that the remains would be kept at a mortuary accessible to relatives. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring safety in construction practices across the state, warning that those who build without proper authorization will face severe consequences.
Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, also condemned the incident, stressing that prioritizing profit over safety has dire consequences. "The owner and engineer responsible must be held accountable as the government prioritizes the safety of lives," Anya stated.