Two people have died after a refuse dump collapsed on a building in Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Friday.

Two Occupants Die

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. They found that a large refuse dump had fallen onto a building reportedly located within a valley.

The police identified one of the victims as Nfon Imé, a male. The second victim was a woman whose identity remains unknown.

Both victims were inside the building when the refuse collapsed. Rescue efforts later recovered their bodies from the scene.

Police took the bodies to a mortuary, according to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Police Begin Investigation

The police command has started investigating the incident. Officers are also assessing the site to understand what caused the refuse dump to collapse.

The command has not yet established the full circumstances that led to the deaths. It said investigators would provide more information after they verify the facts.

READ ALSO : Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja

Police also appealed to residents to remain calm. The command warned against speculation while the investigation continues.

Housing Safety Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the safety of buildings located near large waste dumps and other high-risk areas.

The location of a building plays an important role in housing safety. Developers and property owners need to consider the condition of the land before construction begins.

Valleys and other low-lying areas can present special challenges. Developers may need to assess the land, drainage and surrounding environment before putting up buildings.

Poor waste disposal can also create problems in urban areas. Large waste piles can block drainage channels and place extra pressure on nearby land and structures.

Importance of Proper Urban Planning

The Calabar incident also shows why proper urban planning matters to housing development.

Safe housing depends on more than the construction of a strong building. Authorities and developers must also consider land use, drainage, waste disposal and the wider environment.

Building approval and enforcement can help prevent development in unsuitable locations. Regular monitoring can also help authorities identify risks before they threaten residents.

However, the police have not blamed any individual, developer or agency for the incident. The investigation is still underway, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be fully established.

Investigation Continues

The Cross River State Police Command said it would release further details as investigators confirm more information about the incident.

The deaths at Ikot Effanga highlight the need for greater attention to housing safety, waste management and land-use planning. As the investigation continues, its findings may help explain what caused the refuse dump to collapse and whether any preventable risks contributed to the tragedy.

The post Two Killed as Refuse Dump Collapses on Building in Calabar appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment to curb the rising incidence of building collapse and promote safer, more sustainable housing development. The association said effective regulation remains critical to protecting lives, improving urban planning, and strengthening investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme and the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy in Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye stressed that weak enforcement of building standards continues to contribute to structural failures, poor urban development, and other challenges affecting the housing sector.

Adeoye described regulation as the foundation of a safe and orderly built environment, noting that transparent and effective oversight would create a framework that protects lives and property while encouraging investment and sustainable urban growth. He maintained that stronger enforcement of existing standards is essential to improving the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria.

The REDAN president also highlighted the importance of credible housing data, describing the National Housing Data Programme as a major step towards evidence-based policymaking and improved housing delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s housing sector has operated for years without comprehensive data, forcing policymakers and investors to rely on estimates rather than verified information.

According to Adeoye, reliable housing data will improve government planning, support investment decisions, enhance market transparency, and strengthen efforts to address the country’s housing deficit. He urged public institutions, developers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the successful implementation of the new housing data and regulatory initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that combining stronger regulation with reliable housing data will improve building safety, reduce structural failures, encourage responsible real estate development, and create a more resilient housing market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

The post REDAN Calls for Stronger Regulation to Curb Building Collapse in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Two children have been rescued following the collapse of a two-storey residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at about 9:10 a.m. on Ajegunle Street, off Sabo-Line in the Isale area, where a six-flat building reportedly gave way, raising renewed concerns about structural safety in residential properties.

Children Rescued Before Emergency Arrival

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the children were trapped in the rubble shortly after the collapse but were rescued before firefighters arrived at the scene.

The Fire Service spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the rescue and identified the children as Ahmad (8) and Hussainat (10).

He explained that both children were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention after being pulled from the debris.

Firefighters Begin Salvage Operations

Following the arrival of emergency responders, firefighters commenced salvage operations at the site.

Officials recovered items from accessible sections of the building, including clothing, electronics, food supplies, and important personal documents belonging to residents.

The operation also involved assessing the extent of damage and ensuring no additional victims were trapped within the structure.

Authorities Flag Safety Risks in Adjacent Buildings

After an on-site inspection, the Fire Service raised concerns about the structural integrity of nearby buildings.

It recommended that the Disaster Management Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) take immediate action to prevent further risk in the area.

The recommendation included sealing off the collapsed structure and issuing a seven-day ultimatum for evacuation of a neighbouring building deemed unsafe for habitation.

The NSCDC Disaster Management unit subsequently sealed off the affected site and enforced evacuation directives on the adjacent structure.

Prior Warning Signs Reported

Officials also disclosed that the caretaker of the collapsed building had previously been alerted to the deteriorating condition of the property before the incident occurred.

This development has intensified concerns over enforcement of building safety regulations and early intervention by property stakeholders.

Fire Service Urges Preventive Maintenance

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, who supervised operations at the scene, urged property owners to prioritize regular structural integrity checks.

He emphasized the importance of responding promptly to early warning signs such as wall cracks, weak foundations, and visible structural defects.

According to him, proactive maintenance and compliance with safety standards remain critical to preventing avoidable building collapses.

The post Ilorin Building Collapse: Two Children Rescued as Kwara Authorities Warn on Structural Safety appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State Housing Corporation has issued a stern warning to all allottees of undeveloped plots in Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, urging them to commence development immediately or risk losing their lands. The directive comes amid concerns over rising estate insecurity in Oyo State.

The Corporation, led by Chairman Hon. Demola Omotosho, conducted a fact-finding mission to the estate after residents raised complaints that bushy, abandoned plots had become hideouts for criminals carrying out burglary, rape, and violent attacks.

Although the estate was inaugurated nearly 50 years ago, only 20% of it has been developed, leaving close to 1,000 hectares untouched. Omotosho said this neglect created an unsafe environment for residents who had developed their plots.

A recent violent attack on a 76-year-old resident prompted government intervention. Omotosho reminded allottees that the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001 allows revocation of plots not developed within two years or not fully paid within 12 months.

“These lands were allocated decades ago. Some allottees have held their papers for 25 years without developing the plots. The law is clear: undeveloped plots after two years are subject to revocation. We are not revoking out of sentiment—it is the law,” Omotosho said.

To boost security, the government will establish a Police Post, deploy Amotekun security, and install solar-powered streetlights across the estate. Significant development is expected before June 2026, with similar progress in Ajoda New Town, where 1,000 units are planned.

Residents, including Deacon Idowu Aladejobi, welcomed the move, noting that abandoned plots had facilitated criminal activities. He called for a permanent security presence, especially an Amotekun team.

Other residents expressed optimism that the inspection would mark the beginning of meaningful security and development interventions in the long-neglected estate.

The post Oyo Government Warns Owners of Undeveloped Plots in Owode Estate Over Rising Insecurity appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This warning came during a recent stakeholder forum in Lagos. The event was titled “Boosting the Building Industry Value Chain with Standard Roofing Sheets.” Industry leaders, government officials, and building professionals attended.

Theresa Ojomo, Director of SON Lagos Office, explained that many local manufacturers and installers are ignoring the Nigerian Industrial Standards. She said roofing sheets must meet strict rules for thickness, strength, and chemical composition. Painted and stone-coated sheets are also expected to follow these guidelines.

Ojomo warned that without proper coating, roofing sheets break down quickly. Rain and weather exposure can lead to leaks, roof collapse, and chemical pollution. In some cases, these chemicals can get into water supplies.

SON recently destroyed a batch of imported roofing sheets that failed quality checks. These products did not meet the required thickness or chemical composition.

Cletus Igbojionu from the Association of Secondary Aluminium Producers of Nigeria also spoke at the forum. He said poor wooden support and climate change make the problem worse. He added that windy rain can expose weak roofing, no matter the thickness of the sheet.

To fix this, his group has started training carpenters and installers. They must now earn a MANCAP certificate from SON before working professionally.

Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, was represented at the event by Talatu Ethan, Director of Corporate Affairs. Ethan said SON is working with industry partners to improve product quality. She noted that roofing sheets are not just materials but the final layer of protection for any building.

Ethan warned that fake products can lead to serious harm, property damage, and loss of trust in honest manufacturers. She said SON is increasing enforcement through MANCAP and SONCAP programs. The agency is also checking ports to stop the entry of substandard imports.

SON has raided illegal warehouses and started legal action against those who break the rules. Ethan stressed that strong enforcement alone is not enough. She called for full cooperation from everyone in the industry.

Finally, SON is urging manufacturers, builders, importers, and installers to follow quality standards. Any product that fails to meet the rules will be seized or destroyed.

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