Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
At least five people have been confirmed dead after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Durumi 3 area near Gudu Market in Abuja on Saturday morning. The structure, located behind Gudu Market around Gaduwa Estate, came down at approximately 8:30 a.m., trapping an unknown number of workers beneath the rubble. Most of those trapped are believed to be labourers who were working on the site when the building caved in.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with multiple agencies rushing to the scene. The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and the Federal Road Safety Corps all participated in the search-and-rescue effort, supported by health workers and local volunteers.
FEMD reported that a total of 16 people had been recovered so far. Eleven of them were transported alive to the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama Hospital for treatment, while five victims died at the scene. In a dramatic turn, one survivor was pulled out alive after spending more than nine hours trapped under the debris.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who visited the scene, confirmed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had directed that all casualties receive free medical treatment. “His Excellency, the FCT Minister, has directed that all casualties be given free medical treatment,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Our teams are on hand to provide immediate care and ensure survivors receive the attention they need.”
Preliminary findings by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) suggested that the developer may have compromised the quality of the cement mixture used for the construction. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or provided a confirmed cause for the collapse, but investigations are expected to follow. Dr. Fasawe urged residents and property developers to always obtain the required approvals from the FCT Development Control Department before embarking on any building project.
As rescue operations continued through the day, emergency workers remained at the scene, sifting through the rubble while anxious residents gathered nearby, awaiting updates on the fate of those still missing.
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