Three Rescued From Collapsed Four-Storey Building In Abuja

Three persons have been pulled out alive from the rubble of a collapsed four-storey building at number 23, Nkwere Street, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, Garki, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident happened on Monday night and the victims, who were promptly taken to the hospital, have since been treated and discharged.

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) said it received a distress call on the 112 emergency toll-free number at 8:20 pm about the building collapse.

According to FEMD, upon arriving at the scene, it immediately activated multiple agencies including the Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Julius Berger, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Garki Police Command.

Construction companies, CGC and ZEBERCED, were also called to assist.

Mrs Florence Dawon Wenegieme, the Acting Director General of FEMD, said no life was lost in the incident.

She urged developers to adhere to building codes and conduct integrity tests on structures before renovations.

She stressed the importance of using standard building materials, employing professionals, providing protective wear for workers, and ensuring insurance coverage for both buildings and on-site workers.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who was also present at the scene, ordered the demolition of the remaining structure and sealing of the premises.

Galadima added that the Nigerian Buildings and Roads Research Institute (NBRRI) would conduct integrity tests on other buildings in the vicinity to prevent future incidents.