Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate sealing of the site of the collapsed building on Odili Road in Port Harcourt, suspending all activities at the location as investigations into the incident continue.
The governor issued the directive during a visit to the scene on Thursday, describing the collapse as tragic and expressing sympathy to the victims and their families.
Governor Fubara explained that the construction site falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), not the Rivers State Government. However, he disclosed that officials from the state’s Ministry of Urban Development had previously inspected the project on several occasions, despite the developer’s insistence that the state had no authority to intervene.
Expressing concern over the incident, the governor questioned how such a structural failure could occur despite modern engineering standards and technology, stressing the need for strict adherence to building regulations and professional ethics to prevent similar disasters.
He directed that the site remain sealed pending the outcome of investigations into the cause of the collapse.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continued throughout Thursday, with emergency responders, including Julius Berger and other rescue agencies, working tirelessly to search through the debris for anyone who may still be trapped.
The operation, which resumed at about 8 a.m., was suspended around 6 p.m. after rescuers encountered an obstruction that hindered further excavation. Rescue teams have assured that operations will resume on Friday.
The Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area also visited the site to monitor the ongoing rescue efforts and receive updates from emergency officials.
The building, which was under construction, collapsed on Wednesday, claiming one life while three other victims were rescued from the rubble.
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