Many lives were lost and hundreds of persons are believed to be trapped in a building that collapsed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Friday.
Residents insist that some people are also feared dead, but the government said only trapped persons are being rescued.
The collapsed building is still under construction at GRA in Port Harcourt, and it is believed that the materials being used for the construction are of inferior quality.
The Rivers state Commissioner for Information and strategy, Emma Okah confirmed the incident on his Facebook wall on Friday.
He wrote: “I confirm that a multiple story building under construction at Woji Road, GRA 2 (opposite De Planet Lounge), Port Harcourt has collapsed.
“Cause of collapse is still speculative but RSG has since activated all emergency services to rescue those trapped in the debris. As at now (7 pm), about 11 persons have been rescued alive while efforts are intensified to rescue the rest.
“I will keep you updated on developments but we count on your prayers.”
Some hours later, Okah said the collapsed building was a private 7-storey building in Port Harcourt.
He added: “So far (9.40pm), 28 persons have been rescued although one is feared dead. Rivers State Government organised emergency response team is still on ground and will so be till the last person is rescued. His Excellency Governor Nyesom Ezenwo who is on official duty abroad has directed that no effort or cost should be spared to save all the trapped persons.”