A three-storey building under construction in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, collapsed on Saturday, January 4, leaving seven people injured.
According to NAN, Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday through his media aide, Emeka Idika.
Bipi commended the prompt actions of the ministry and Special Duties Department, whose swift rescue efforts ensured the victims received medical attention in time.
Bipi expressed concern over the growing number of building collapses in the state, noting that this was the fourth such incident since he assumed office.
Preliminary investigations at the scene revealed that the collapse was likely caused by the use of substandard materials, specifically the use of 12mm rods for decking, which violates construction standards. Bipi emphasized that similar incidents in the state had been traced to this issue.
The building has been sealed off as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.
