The building collapse was captured in a photo by Dennis Naku. No fewer than three people are feared to have lost their lives when a structure under construction caved in along Isi Ewu Road in the Nbodo community of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. The victims were labourers working on the two‑storey building at the time of the incident, which occurred on Saturday evening. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.
Intervention by Ikwerre Local Government Chairman Dr. Samuel Nwanosike and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) helped prevent further casualties. The NSCDC Rivers State Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday morning. In a statement, Ayodele quoted NSCDC State Commandant Michael Ogar, who visited the scene, saying the collapse was caused by the use of substandard materials. Assistant Commandant James Ngene, head of the Rivers NSCDC Disaster Management Rescue Team, disclosed that preliminary investigations found the rods, pillars and blocks used in the construction were far below required specifications.
The statement warned that Nigerians must take responsibility for their actions, especially when human lives are at stake. It noted that the collapse of the two‑storey building in Aluu could have been avoided if standardized materials and proper specifications had been used. Building owners and landlords were urged to beware of desperate or unqualified contractors who prioritize profit over safety.
Commandant Ogar praised Chairman Nwanosike for mobilising three pay loaders and providing necessary logistics, which enhanced the rescue of victims and the recovery of three bodies during a joint operation involving the NSCDC, the National Emergency Management Agency, other security agencies and community volunteers. He also commended all collaborators in the search and rescue efforts, stating that the collapsed site has now been cordoned off to prevent further disaster.
Finally, the NSCDC Rivers State Command Crisis Management Department pledged to continue sensitisation and awareness programmes to warn the public of imminent dangers and necessary precautionary measures, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure.
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