A three-story building under construction collapsed on Saturday, January 4, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving seven people injured.

According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Evans Bipi, no lives were lost due to swift rescue efforts.

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In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Emeka Idika, Bipi described the incident as tragic but noted that timely intervention by his ministry, the Special Duties Department, and other agencies helped save lives.

“It is unfortunate that we are beginning the year with this tragic incident. Though no life was lost, this is the fourth building collapse we are witnessing in the state since I assumed office,” the Commissioner said.

Preliminary findings at the site indicate that the collapse was caused by the use of substandard materials, including 12mm rods for decking—a direct violation of construction standards.

“Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for decking a building is a clear violation of construction standards. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases in the state have been linked to the same cause,” Bipi explained.

The affected property has been sealed, pending further investigations into the cause of the collapse.

Bipi stressed the importance of adhering to building regulations to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

“The property has been sealed pending investigation into the cause of collapse,” he stated.

The Commissioner urged developers to comply with established standards to ensure public safety and prevent further loss of property and potential lives.

Tragedy struck on Sunday afternoon in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, as a petrol-laden tanker lost control and exploded, leaving several people feared dead and destroying properties.

The tanker, believed to have experienced a mechanical failure, veered off the road before bursting into flames.

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Videos circulating on social media show residents fleeing in panic as the blaze engulfed the area.

Many could be seen desperately trying to save their belongings while others scampered for safety.

More to follow……… 

A detective inspector in Lusaka is under arrest following a bizarre New Year’s Eve incident in which he allegedly freed 13 suspects from police custody while intoxicated.

Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, stationed at Leonard Cheelo Police Station, reportedly seized the keys to the detention cells while under the influence of alcohol.

He then unlocked both male and female detention cells, telling the suspects they were “free to cross over into the new year.”

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The suspects were being held on serious charges, including assault, robbery, and burglary. Of the 15 detainees in custody, 13 escaped during the incident.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the events, stating that Inspector Phiri forcibly took the keys from Constable Serah Banda before fleeing the scene himself.

“Mr. Phiri, in a state of intoxication, disregarded his duties and allowed suspects to flee custody,” said Hamoonga.

The detective was arrested following the incident, and a manhunt is now underway to recapture the escaped suspects. Inspector Phiri has not yet issued a statement or responded to the allegations.

The incident has sparked comparisons to a controversial New Year’s Eve event in 1997. Former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Dickson Jere weighed in on the matter, describing the current case as both comical and troubling.

“I keep laughing each time I picture the scenario—comical! But then, I remembered a similar incident in 1997,” Jere wrote on Facebook.

Jere was referencing the late High Court Judge Kabazo Chanda, who ordered the release of 53 detainees on New Year’s Eve 1997, citing frustration over delays in bringing the suspects to trial. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Judge Chanda famously declared.

While some have criticized Inspector Phiri’s conduct, others have pointed to broader systemic issues that allow such incidents to occur.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the escaped suspects, as the case draws national attention for its unusual circumstances and broader implications for justice in Zambia.