The Rivers State Government has sealed off a building estimated to be more than 60 years old in Port Harcourt after part of the structure collapsed, leaving four people injured.
The incident occurred at about 7pm on Friday at No. 18 Club Road, in the Old Port Harcourt Township, when a section of the two-storey building’s parapet reportedly broke away and fell onto the ground floor, where people were gathered at a bar.
Among the victims was a woman who reportedly sustained injuries to her head and ear. No fatalities were recorded.
Following the incident, the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning directed occupants to vacate the building over concerns that other parts of the structure could collapse.
The ministry’s Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, confirmed the evacuation order, explaining that the commissioner, Amairigha Edward Hart, visited the scene on Saturday to assess the damage and ensure the safety of residents.
According to Ibim, the commissioner expressed relief that no life was lost and warned residents against occupying ageing buildings that could pose a threat to human life.
She added that the ministry had been carrying out public awareness campaigns and identifying old buildings requiring renovation across parts of the state, including Mile 1, Mile 2 and Mile 3 in Diobu, as well as Borikiri.
The affected building was subsequently cordoned off with red tape, while occupants were instructed to leave the premises.
An eyewitness said the incident caused panic among people at the bar, who had gathered on the ground floor when the debris fell from above.
The witness, who said he had known the building for decades, expressed concern about its deteriorating condition and questioned whether it had undergone any major renovation over the years.
A visit to the scene on Sunday showed that debris in front of the building had been cleared, although signs of the collapse remained visible. The occupants had also vacated the premises.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the building had been cordoned off and that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
Authorities have yet to establish the precise cause of the partial collapse.
