Emergency responders are racing against time following the collapse of a building in Abuja’s Wuse Zone 4 district, as authorities intensify search and rescue efforts to determine whether victims remain trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident occurred on Monday evening, prompting a swift response from multiple emergency and security agencies across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the FCT Police Command, a distress call was received at approximately 7:45 p.m., alerting authorities to the collapse. A police rescue team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, alongside the Area Commander, Metro Area Command, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu, was immediately deployed to the scene.
The operation quickly expanded into a multi-agency emergency response involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Security Service Department and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Three ambulances were also mobilised to the area to provide urgent medical support if survivors are located.
Preliminary findings indicate that the structure had previously attracted the attention of regulatory authorities. Officials disclosed that the FCTA Development Control Department had earlier sealed the building and directed occupants to vacate the premises over safety concerns.
Investigators said initial assessments suggest the building had been marked for enforcement action before the collapse occurred.
As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities or injuries had been officially confirmed. However, rescue teams continue to comb through the debris amid concerns that some individuals may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and whether there were violations of building regulations or compliance directives.
Residents have been advised to stay away from the affected area to allow rescue personnel unrestricted access to the site. Officials also appealed for calm, assuring the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to manage the situation.
The latest incident has once again raised concerns about building safety compliance and the enforcement of development regulations within the Federal Capital Territory.
