Rivers orders evacuation after 60-year-old building injures four

Four persons were injured after part of a building more than 60 years old collapsed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, prompting the state government to order occupants to vacate the premises.

The incident occurred around 7pm on Friday at No. 18 Club Road in the Old Port Harcourt Township, where the parapet of the two-storey building’s second floor reportedly broke away and fell onto the ground floor, where people were gathered at a bar.

An eyewitness said the falling debris struck several people, including a woman who sustained injuries to her head and ear. No death was recorded.

“There was confusion because nobody expected that sort of thing. About three or four persons were injured in the incident,” the eyewitness said.

The source, who said he was over 50 years old, added that he had known the building since childhood and believed its age raised concerns about the condition of the structure.

Following the incident, occupants of the residential building reportedly moved out for fear that the entire structure could collapse.

A visit to the scene on Sunday showed that the debris had been cleared, while the building’s perimeter was cordoned off with red tape. Residents said government officials marked the premises on Saturday and directed occupants to leave.

The Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning confirmed the evacuation order, saying the commissioner issued the directive after inspecting the building on Saturday.

The ministry’s Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, said the commissioner warned residents against living in old buildings that could pose risks to their lives.

She added that the ministry had been conducting sensitisation exercises and identifying ageing buildings requiring renovation in areas including Mile 1, Mile 2 and Mile 3 in Diobu, as well as Borikiri.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, also confirmed the incident, saying four injured persons were taken to hospital.

She added that the scene had been cordoned off and an investigation was ongoing.