A devastating building collapse occurred in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Monday, November 5. One person lost their life, and another sustained severe injuries.

Eyewitness Jonathan Obey reported that the two-storey building under construction gave way around 2 p.m., trapping workers on the second floor. Udeme, a young man from Akwa Ibom State, tragically lost his life, while another worker narrowly escaped with serious injuries.

Obey attributed the collapse to substandard materials and inadequate foundation and supports. Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the site, condemning the developer’s negligence.

Bipi declared the developer wanted, sealed the site, and warned that the government would take strong action. “This incident must serve as a warning to those building without government approval,” he stated.

Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, also expressed dismay over the incident, condemning the developer’s prioritization of profit over safety. “The owner and engineer responsible must be held accountable as the government prioritizes the safety of lives,” Anya said.

In a statement, Bipi expressed sympathy to the victim’s family, stating that the remains would be kept at a mortuary, which would be publicly disclosed for family access.