> Rivers State Government Seals Collapsed Building Site as Rescue Efforts Continue

The site of a collapsed building along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been sealed by the state government. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara gave the directive after visiting the scene of the incident on Thursday.

Governor Fubara described the collapse as unfortunate, expressing sympathy for the victims. He said the site did not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government but under the control of the Federal Housing Authority.

According to the governor, the Commissioner for Urban Development had reported that state authorities had visited the site several times to inspect the construction. The developer, however, repeatedly claimed that the state government lacked the authority to interfere in the project.

The governor expressed concern that such an incident could occur in the 21st century, when engineering technology has advanced significantly. He questioned why an engineer would continue a project despite visible warning signs.

Governor Fubara directed that the site remain sealed while investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.

Rescue operations at the collapsed building on Odili Road ended on Thursday without any new victims being rescued from the rubble. Julius Berger and other emergency response teams were involved in the excavation operation.

Work resumed at about 8 a.m. and continued throughout the day as emergency responders carefully cleared debris in search of persons believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage. The operation lasted until about 6 p.m., when rescue workers suspended activities for the day after hours of excavation yielded no results, citing an obstruction.

They, however, said rescue efforts would continue on Friday.

Earlier, the chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area visited the scene to assess the rescue efforts and receive updates from emergency officials. One person was confirmed dead on Wednesday, while three others were rescued after the collapse.

The incident has raised concerns about the level of oversight in the construction industry. It is hoped that the state government will learn from this incident and take steps to prevent a recurrence in the future.