At least one person has been confirmed dead, while two others have been rescued following the collapse of a three-storey building along Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Eyewitness reports indicate that several individuals were trapped beneath the rubble, while a number of vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
Briefing journalists on the development, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Edward Hart, said the state government would intensify its crackdown on illegal developments, particularly buildings constructed without proper approval.
Hart disclosed that the collapsed structure, located at the Amadi area, was not approved by the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, but rather by the Federal Housing Authority. He stressed that the ministry would not relent in its monitoring and supervision of building projects across the state.
According to him, the incident underscores the need for stricter compliance with approved building plans, the use of quality materials, and the engagement of qualified professionals in construction projects.
“When embarking on any building project, developers must adhere strictly to approved plans and avoid deviations. The use of substandard materials and unqualified personnel remains a major challenge in the construction sector,” he said.
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The commissioner added that the ministry would strengthen collaboration with professional bodies and relevant stakeholders to eliminate quackery and enforce standards in the building industry.
He noted that regular inspection and tighter control of approval processes would help prevent future occurrences, stressing that non-compliance with building regulations continues to contribute significantly to such disasters.
Meanwhile, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, confirmed that emergency response teams were promptly deployed to the scene following reports of the collapse.
Wachukwu stated that two severely injured victims had been rescued and taken to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for treatment. He added that emergency medical services had been activated across relevant health facilities to handle victims of the incident.
“We swiftly mobilised ambulances and medical personnel to the site. So far, two injured persons have been rescued and are receiving treatment. Emergency units are on standby to manage additional casualties,” he said.
He further disclosed that personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies were on the ground, coordinating rescue operations.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, as authorities work to reach individuals still believed to be trapped under the debris.
