Investigation Launched After Fatal Building Collapse in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive investigation following the collapse of a building that resulted in one fatality in Ogbogoro, located in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

A two-story building under construction in Egbelu Mgbaraja collapsed on Monday, leaving one person dead. This incident follows a similar collapse just one week prior, involving a three-story building under construction in the Iriebe area of the same local government, though no casualties were reported in that case.

According to an eyewitness, Jonathan Obey, the collapse occurred around 2 p.m. while workers were present on the second floor. The deceased, identified only as Udeme from Akwa Ibom State, tragically lost his life, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries. Obey speculated that substandard materials were used in the building, which contributed to the structural failure, citing issues with weak rods and insufficient support pillars.

In response, the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the site, ordering it to be sealed and declaring the property developer wanted for negligence. Bipi criticized the developer for using inadequate materials and proceeding without building approval, describing the incident as preventable.

Bipi emphasized the government’s commitment to safety regulations, warning that anyone caught building without approval or using substandard materials would face strict penalties. He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and underscored that this incident should serve as a warning to others.

The state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, also visited the site, expressing sorrow over the tragedy and condemning the developer’s disregard for worker and tenant safety. He pointed out that the developer had prioritized cost-cutting over safe construction practices.

The police command has confirmed the fatality and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse, stressing the need for greater enforcement of construction standards to prevent future incidents.