On Monday, a two-storey building under construction collapsed in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, resulting in one fatality and one person critically injured.
The collapse, which took place around 2 p.m., marks the second such incident in the area within a week.
Eyewitness Jonathan Obey reported that the building crumbled while workers were on the second floor, tragically claiming the life of a young man known as Udeme, from Akwa Ibom State.
Another worker barely escaped with his life but suffered severe injuries. Obey attributed the incident to poor-quality materials, noting that the foundation and structural supports were inadequate.
“When we came, we noticed that substandard materials were used in the construction. The building’s foundation was for a two-storey structure, yet low-quality rods and insufficient cement were used. The decking lacked a centre pillar and beam, which ultimately led to the collapse,” Obey explained.
In response, Evans Bipi, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the location, instructed that it be closed off, and announced the developer as a wanted person.
Bipi criticized the developer’s carelessness, explaining that the construction was undertaken without government authorization and used inferior materials.
“We’ve made it clear that if you build without approval, you will face the consequences.
“This site is sealed, and the developer has been declared wanted. He must answer for using substandard materials that led to the loss of life,” Bipi said.
Continuing, Bipi warned that the government would take strong action. “This is unacceptable. We must use him as an example,” he added.
Through a statement from his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi conveyed his condolences to the victim’s family, indicating that the body would be held at a mortuary, the location of which would be publicly shared to allow family access.
“This incident must serve as a warning to those building without government approval,” Bipi stated.
Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, voiced disappointment about the incident, criticizing the developer for placing profit above safety concerns.
“This is heartbreaking. Not only was the building of poor quality, but it also lacked proper approval. Someone has now paid the price with his life.
“The owner and engineer responsible must be held accountable as the government prioritizes the safety of lives,” Anya said.
