Following the collapse of a two-storey building on Lagos Street, Garki Village, Abuja, on Wednesday night, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has directed the apprehension of the building’s owner.
The incident resulted in the loss of two lives, with 37 individuals successfully evacuated and transported to medical facilities, according to a statement issued by the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA).
During his visit to the collapse site on Thursday, Wike issued the order and emphasized the significance of accountability.
Additionally, he instructed the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, Mr. Adesola Olusade, to cover the medical expenses of those who were hospitalized due to the collapse.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Wike also called upon the Department of Development Control under the FCT Administration to swiftly relocate the affected residents of the community.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and government officials, emphasizing their shared responsibility to ensure the well-being of all concerned.
The aftermath of the building collapse has prompted a swift response from authorities, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“This is what we are talking about; people just built houses without due diligence to minimum standards.
“This is why cities are planned – forestall this kind of incidents.
“I sympathise with those who lost their lives while the medical bills of those in the hospitals will be paid immediately,” he said.
Earlier, the Director, Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, had explained that the area was unplanned and houses an indigenous community.
Galadima said that the two-storey building was multipurpose and was for both residential and commercial use.
The permanent secretary commended security agencies and some contractors who came out in their numbers to render support in evacuating the rubbles and search for more victims.
Also, the Director-General, FCT FEMA, Dr Idriss Abass, said that relevant agencies had been on ground since the occurrence of the incident, to rescue the victims.
Abass said that efforts were still ongoing “to ensure that no one is left under the rubbles”.
Meanwhile, some of the victims, who spoke with newsmen said that they lost their investments and properties to the incident, and called for government support.
One of them, Ms Glory Perekeme, who operates a restaurant and a bar at the building, said she lost about N5 million as she could not take anything from her restaurant.
“I closed for business around 10:00 p.m. and was on my way home when I received a call that the building had collapsed and my investment gone.
“I am still in shock; and I don’t even know where to start from.
“I really need assistance. Government should come to our aid so we can start all over again,” she said.
Another victim, Mrs Ann Anyi, who owned a laundry and sells shoes, said that she lost everything to the incident.
“I have been crying since I got the news of the incident in the midnight.
“I am just hoping that when the rescue operation is over, I will be able to salvage something from the rubbles,” she said.
