A building collapsed in Abuja’s Wuse Zone 4 hours after FCTA sealed it over safety concerns, prompting rescue efforts and an investigation.
A building has collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, hours after officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took action against the structure over concerns about its condition.
The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, triggered a coordinated response involving the police, emergency agencies and officials of the FCT Administration, with search and rescue operations launched shortly after the collapse.
The FCT Police Command said it was alerted to the incident through a distress call received at about 7:45pm.
According to the command, its personnel were immediately dispatched to the location to secure the area and support ongoing emergency operations.
Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the response team that arrived at the scene was joined by personnel from various government and emergency agencies.
The agencies involved included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Federal Fire Service, Department of State Services (DSS) and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Other relevant emergency personnel also joined the operation as efforts were intensified to search the debris and determine whether anyone was trapped underneath the collapsed structure.
The development is particularly significant because the building had reportedly been flagged by the FCTA earlier in the day.
The Department of Development Control had issued a quit notice to occupants of the structure after officials observed signs of distress, according to information provided by the authorities.
The structure was subsequently marked and sealed, with occupants directed to leave the premises.
Despite the intervention by the authorities, the building later gave way, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the collapse and whether the safety directive had been fully complied with before the incident occurred.
The police confirmed that their preliminary assessment indicated that the structure had already been identified and sealed by the Development Control Department.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building has earlier been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja,” Adeh said.
The police did not immediately disclose the specific nature of the structural problems that had been observed before the building was sealed.
However, the fact that the structure had reportedly shown signs of distress before its collapse has placed renewed attention on the importance of prompt compliance with official safety orders and building regulations.
Following the collapse, emergency responders remained at the location to assess the situation and conduct searches through the rubble.
Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, also provided an update on the incident, confirming that rescue efforts were underway.
The operation involved personnel working around the affected structure to establish the extent of the collapse and ascertain whether there were people inside at the time of the incident.
As of the police command’s latest statement, no casualty had been confirmed.
Authorities, however, cautioned that search and rescue efforts were still in progress, meaning the situation had not yet been fully assessed.
“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,” the police spokesperson said.
The absence of a confirmed casualty at the time of the statement provided some relief, but emergency personnel continued their operation to ensure that no person remained trapped beneath the debris.
The police also commenced an investigation into the incident.
According to the command, the purpose of the investigation is to establish what led to the collapse and determine the circumstances surrounding the failure of the structure.
“Investigation is still ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse,” the statement added.
The investigation is expected to consider the condition of the building before the collapse, the actions taken by the relevant authorities and other circumstances that may have contributed to the incident.
Meanwhile, the police have appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm while emergency operations continue.
Residents were advised to keep away from the affected location to avoid interfering with the work of rescue personnel and other officials deployed to the scene.
The command stressed the need for people around the area to remain security-conscious and cooperate with officials as they manage the aftermath of the incident.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report emergencies and suspicious activities promptly through the appropriate police emergency channels.
The collapse has once again highlighted the importance of structural safety and effective enforcement of building regulations in Abuja.
Buildings showing visible signs of distress can pose serious risks to occupants, neighbouring structures and passers-by, making early intervention critical in preventing loss of lives and property.
In this case, authorities had reportedly identified concerns with the building and taken steps to prevent continued occupation before the structure eventually collapsed.
The immediate priority, however, remains the search and rescue operation and the safety of personnel working at the scene.
Further details on possible casualties, the extent of the damage and the findings of the investigation are expected to emerge as emergency agencies conclude their assessment.
For now, authorities have urged residents to stay away from the affected area and allow the emergency teams to carry out their duties without obstruction.
The FCT Police Command said it would continue to monitor developments at the scene while the investigation into the cause of the collapse proceeds.
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