The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA) has officially confirmed the occurrence of a building collapse, involving a two-storey structure, on the night of Wednesday. This incident transpired at Lagos Street, situated within Garki Village, Abuja.
Mrs. Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs at the agency, issued a statement in Abuja on Thursday to convey that a total of 37 individuals were successfully rescued from the wreckage, while unfortunately, two others succumbed to fatal injuries.
Isa further informed that a concerted rescue operation was in progress to locate and aid additional victims who might still be trapped.
She went on to highlight the collaborative efforts of FCT FEMA, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the FCT Command of the Nigerian Police on the ground. Their combined forces were dedicated to effecting the rescue and evacuation of individuals affected by the incident.
“The building that collapsed was a two-storey structure, with both residential and commercial utility, and the collapse took place during the night of Wednesday,” Isa stated.
“The Search and Rescue Team of FCT FEMA is currently awaiting the deployment of excavators to intensify the search operation. This is to ensure that no victim remains trapped beneath the debris of the collapsed building,” she elaborated.
In acknowledgement of the significant efforts put forth, Dr. Abbass Iddriss, the Director-General of FCT FEMA, expressed commendation to all parties involved. This included not only the dedicated responders but also the local community members who were actively engaged in manual efforts to free those trapped in the wreckage.