The Rivers State Government has warned residents against occupying old and distressed buildings following the partial collapse of a two-storey building at No. 18 Club Road, Port Harcourt, on Friday night.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by Boma Waribor, Press Secretary to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The Commissioner, Hon. Amairigha Edward Hart, gave the warning during an inspection of the affected building, where a roof slab and an extension of the front balcony collapsed at about 9pm on October 9. No lives were lost.
Hart said physical observations showed that the building, believed to be over 50 years old, had exceeded its lifespan and become unsafe for habitation.
The affected section has been cordoned off and marked “VACATE – UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION.”
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry had commenced a proactive audit of old buildings, beginning in Diobu and extending to other parts of Port Harcourt, to identify structures that pose risks to occupants.
He explained that the exercise would enable the government to advise residents to vacate unsafe buildings and recommend major restoration where structures had not completely failed.
Hart urged residents to cooperate with the ministry by allowing integrity tests to be conducted on suspected distressed buildings. He also stressed the need for occupants to comply with demolition orders where necessary to prevent loss of lives.
He warned that neighbouring buildings constructed around the same period could also be affected and advised residents to avoid renting old and distressed properties.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to protecting lives and ensuring a safe environment for residents.
The ministry also cautioned the public to stay away from the cordoned-off area and desist from scavenging around the collapsed section.
He said, further structural investigations are expected to be conducted within the week to determine whether the building should be demolished or undergo major restoration.
