A devastating incident unfolded on Wednesday at Lagos Street in the Garki area of Abuja, as a multi-storey building crumbled to the ground, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. The collapse claimed the lives of approximately 37 individuals, and a number of others are currently trapped under the debris as rescue efforts continue.
The Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) promptly responded to the scene, confirming the grim situation. According to Dr. Abbass Idriss, the Director General of FEMA, a total of 37 people have been successfully rescued from the wreckage, but tragically, two individuals succumbed to fatal injuries. Dr. Idriss’s statement, released on Thursday morning, highlighted that all the rescued victims have been transported to various medical facilities within Abuja.
The rescue operations are underway in collaboration with several other agencies. Dr. Idriss noted, “Our dedicated FEMA Search and Rescue team, in cooperation with partners from the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Police Command, and the VIO, are tirelessly working to locate and save anyone still trapped beneath the debris.” He emphasized that the search would be escalated with the arrival of excavators to ensure no survivors remain stranded.
An eyewitness who was present at the scene during the tragic incident conveyed the chaotic and devastating scene to an online platform. The building housed numerous residential apartments, while the ground floor was occupied by various shops. The witness recounted that the collapse occurred during a heavy downpour that began around 11 pm on Wednesday. He vividly described the atmosphere of distress and anguish that followed, with people wailing and attempting to navigate the chaos caused by the sudden catastrophe.
As of the time of this report, emergency response teams have yet to fully arrive at the site of the collapse. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, emphasizing the need for swift and effective disaster management to prevent further loss of life. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety and emergency preparedness in order to avert such calamities in the future.
Wike’s resolve to dismantle illegal constructions remains unflinching, regardless of the stature of their owners, which he underscored even extended to ministers and ambassadors. The minister’s statement reflects the government’s determination to uphold city aesthetics and functional infrastructure.
However, this preliminary estimate may escalate, taking into account additional illegal structures not considered in the 2022 report, as clarified by FCTA officials.
