…8 Site workers rescued
Caption : The Collapsed building
By Omolara Akintoye
A three-Storey building under construction have collapsed in Aboga along the Igwuruta-Etche road, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.
According to an eye witness, seven out of nine workers on-site trapped in the rubble were rescued.
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded, though the victims sustained varying degrees of injuries. The last worker was pulled from the debris late in the evening with serious injuries and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
He said, “Some workers managed to jump out, but others were trapped under the rubble.
Rescuers worked tirelessly, and the last person was rescued last night.”
Another local resident recounted hearing a loud noise before seeing the building collapse.
“Passersby and people in the neighborhood began breaking through the debris to rescue the victims before the government and police arrived to assist.”
The rescue effort involved local residents, officials from the Ikwerre Local Government Area, and the Rivers State Ministries of Physical Planning, Urban Development, and Special Duties. Equipment such as excavators, a fire truck, and ambulances were deployed to aid in the operation.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi attributed the collapse to the use of substandard materials and building without government approval. “It is unfortunate that we are starting the year with this tragic incident, though no lives were lost.
Preliminary investigations indicate the use of inferior materials, such as 12mm rods for decking, which violates construction standards,” Bipi stated.
The Commissioner also confirmed that the property has been sealed, and the developer has been summoned for further investigation.
Bipi revealed this was the fourth building collapse in Rivers State in three months, with similar cases linked to the use of inferior materials. He warned developers against bypassing building codes and constructing without government-approved plans.
“As a government, we will no longer tolerate violations of the building code or the use of substandard materials to cut costs. Such negligence endangers lives and leads to avoidable damages,” he emphasized.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
