Abuja Building Collapse: Police Reveal Fresh Details

Tension was reported in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, after a building collapsed on August 8, prompting emergency agencies to launch search and rescue operations at the scene.

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) received a distress call at about 7:20 p.m. before mobilising emergency responders to the affected area.

The FCT Police Command subsequently confirmed the incident, saying its personnel and other emergency agencies were deployed to assist with the search for possible victims.

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed that the building had previously been sealed by the Department of Development Control.

He said the occupants had also been directed to vacate the premises before the structure eventually collapsed.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not confirmed any casualty, while rescue teams continued efforts to determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble.

Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said a police response team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. The team was led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, and the Area Commander, Metro, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu.

Adeh added that personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Federal Fire Service, FCTA Security Service Department and other relevant agencies were also involved in the rescue operation.

According to the police spokesperson, preliminary findings indicated that the building had already been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control before the collapse.

“So far, no victims have been confirmed. However, search and rescue operations are still ongoing to identify and rescue any persons who may be trapped in the rubble,” Adeh said.

She disclosed that the police had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine its possible cause.

Adeh urged residents to remain calm, stay away from the affected area and cooperate with emergency personnel to allow the rescue operation to proceed without obstruction.

She added that authorities would provide further updates on the extent of the damage and any confirmed casualties as more information becomes available.