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……… 

The Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB) has banned street hawking and other illegal activities in Maiduguri, in a bid to maintain order and enhance urban development.

Announcing the decision on Friday, the General Manager of the board, Limán Mustapha, said the directive aligns with the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002.

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The ban targets key areas such as the Post Office and Monday Market, where street hawkers, tricycle operators, and generator mechanics have been prohibited.

The directive also bans activities on pedestrian walkways, junctions, and roundabouts.

Other prohibited activities include the sale of engine oil on road reservations, dumping of sand or building materials, mixing of cement on roads, and the construction of boreholes by roadsides.

“All affected individuals and businesses are required to vacate these locations immediately,” Mustapha said. “The board has no alternative but to arrest and prosecute defaulters in a court of law.”

The general manager stressed that the measure is necessary to create a clean, safe, and organized urban environment in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.

Mustapha urged residents and business owners to comply with the directive, warning that legal actions would be taken against defaulters.

This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to address urban congestion, improve public safety, and promote sustainable development in Borno State’s capital.