… Victims lament poor treatment
By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the collapse of a seven-storey building under construction in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has ordered the arrest of the unidentified owner of the property.
Wike, who visited the scene of the incidence upon his return from oversea, described the tragedy as a sad development, also ordered a commission of inquiry into the incidene.
At the time of this report, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had declared that seven bodies were recovered and 26 rescued alive in the ongoing rescue operations.
Wike said: “I commiserate with families that have lost loved ones, who came to seek their daily bread. Government will do all it can to give them support.
“I have directed the Attorney-General of Rivers State to ensure that steps are taken to do what is right within the ambit of the law.
“Whoever approved this structure—contractor or government officials— will face the full weight of the law.
“Government will take steps to acquire this property. We cannot allow this illegality. The master plan of this area does not allow a seven-storey building.”
It was reported that since Friday when the incident occur, the owner of the building is yet to be seen while others say he might have gone into hiding following the order by the governor.
Meanwhile, some victims rescued from the collapse building are now lamenting poor treatment by the state government.
Some of the victims (names withheld) who spoke to newsmen said they were only given drip in the hospital without drugs and proper examination.
“They only took us to BMSH, put drip on us and to give us drugs or scan, no way”.
However, the state government has insisted that all rescued persons are being given adequate medical attention.
