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Two-Storey Building Collapse in Rivers Kills One and Injures Another

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Photo source: Google

On Monday afternoon, a two-storey building under construction in Rivers State collapsed, leading to the tragic death of one worker and leaving another severely injured.

The incident occurred in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of the Ogbogoro community within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area around 2 p.m., marking the second building collapse in the area within just one week.

An eyewitness, Jonathan Obey, who was on-site during the collapse, recounted that the structure gave way as workers were labouring on the second floor.

The deceased, identified simply as Udeme from Akwa Ibom State, was a young man who tragically lost his life when the building crumbled.

Another worker managed to escape death but sustained serious injuries that required immediate medical attention.

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Obey attributed the incident to poor construction practices, claiming the foundation and support structures were weak and made with substandard materials.

“When we arrived, it was clear that the quality of materials used was subpar,” Obey explained.

“They used low-quality rods, and the cement was inadequate for a building of this size.

The decking lacked central pillars and beams, which ultimately caused the collapse.”

In response to this incident, Evans Bipi, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and immediately ordered the premises to be sealed.

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Bipi expressed his disapproval of the developer’s negligence, revealing that the construction had been carried out without necessary government permits and was built using substandard materials.

Bipi went on to declare the developer wanted, emphasizing that such disregard for safety regulations would not go unpunished.

“We’ve repeatedly warned developers that any construction without government approval will face serious consequences,” Bipi stated sternly.

He highlighted that the developer’s actions were not only irresponsible but also unlawful, risking the lives of workers and future occupants by cutting corners.

As he spoke with locals and officials on-site, Bipi promised that the government would take decisive action to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

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“This situation is unacceptable,” he added. “We need to make an example out of this developer to deter others from taking similar risks.”

Through a statement issued by his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He shared that the remains of Udeme would be held at a designated mortuary, with the location being disclosed to allow family members to claim his body.

Samuel Anya, the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, also visited the site and voiced his frustration over the negligence that led to the collapse.

Anya stressed that profit-driven motives should never outweigh safety considerations.

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“This tragedy is deeply disheartening,” Anya remarked. “It’s clear that the building was not only poorly constructed but also lacked proper approval.

Someone’s life has been taken because of these reckless shortcuts.”

Anya further asserted that those involved would face accountability measures, adding that the government prioritizes the safety of all residents and would not tolerate such careless practices.

“The owner and the engineer responsible must answer for this.

The state will not stand by while innocent lives are endangered.”

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The Rivers State government has been intensifying efforts to monitor construction projects and enforce building regulations in recent years.

Still, incidents like these reveal the challenges of ensuring compliance across numerous private developments.


 

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Florida Mother Arrested for Allegedly Drowning 14-Year-Old Daughter

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A 14-year-old girl, Giselle Glover, tragically lost her life after her mother, Kelsey Glover, 35, allegedly held her head underwater in a bathtub.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez stated that deputies responded to an “armed disturbance” at the Poinciana home on Wednesday, November 20. Upon arrival, officers found Glover attempting to attack witnesses with a hammer after the incident.

Despite attempts to save Giselle, she was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses reported that they tried to intervene but were unsuccessful in stopping the attack.

Glover, who is being held without bail, faces charges of aggravated assault and battery, with additional charges pending. Authorities are investigating her motives, as she has been uncooperative so far.

Officials confirmed a prior domestic issue involving Glover, where she allegedly attacked her daughter’s father.

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IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa Due to His Arrest And Calls for Focus on Biafra Struggle

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have urged their members to stay focused on their mission to achieve an independent Biafran state and remain calm amidst the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile.

In a strong condemnation of Ekpa’s actions, IPOB emphasized that every crime has its consequences.

Emma Powerful, the group’s spokesperson, clarified that Simon Ekpa is not, and has never been, a member of IPOB. He accused Ekpa of using violence to destabilize the South-East region since 2021.

In a detailed statement, Powerful said, “Simon Ekpa has no affiliation with the global IPOB family or its leadership.

Despite false narratives claiming otherwise, he has never been registered as a member in Finland or any other part of the world.”

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Powerful reiterated that IPOB, under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, has consistently pursued a peaceful path toward achieving Biafra’s independence.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB as a non-violent movement dedicated to self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum.

Despite repeated provocations and violent crackdowns by the Nigerian government, we have remained steadfast in our peaceful approach for over two decades,” he explained.

Ekpa, however, has been accused of exploiting the Biafran cause for personal gain.

“Many innocent Biafrans, driven by their passion for the Biafran struggle, initially believed in Simon Ekpa’s rhetoric.

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Unfortunately, they later realized he was a destructive force, funded to undermine IPOB’s efforts.

He has recruited violent criminals under the guise of fighting for Biafra and formed the so-called Biafra Liberation Army, which has carried out atrocities in the Eastern region,” Powerful added.

Ekpa, who leads the self-proclaimed Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), has been linked to violent activities that have harmed civilians.

Powerful accused both the Nigerian and Finnish governments of protecting Ekpa from accountability for his alleged crimes. Despite this, IPOB expressed confidence that justice would prevail.

The statement ended with a call for unity and focus: “We urge all IPOB members, Biafrans, and supporters of our cause to remain calm.

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Our objective remains the same—to restore Biafra’s sovereignty through peaceful means.

No amount of sabotage can deter us from this goal.”


 

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Singer-Comedian Nasboi Criticizes Nigeria’s Internet Space: ‘The Devil Has Done So Much’

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Popular singer and comedian Nasboi has expressed his concerns about the state of Nigeria’s internet space, claiming it has been heavily influenced by negative forces.

In a cryptic post shared online, Nasboi wrote, “Devil has done so much in Nigeria internet space lately.”

While the entertainer did not elaborate further, his statement has sparked conversations, with many speculating he might be referring to the rise of online negativity, cyberbullying, or other troubling trends on social media platforms in the country.

Nasboi, known for blending humor with thought-provoking commentary, continues to engage his audience on and off the stage. Fans await further clarification on his recent remarks.

 

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