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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.