In a tragic turn of events, a two-storey building in Lagos Street, Garki Village, Abuja, collapsed on Wednesday night, leaving 37 individuals saved from the wreckage while, tragically, two others suffered fatal injuries. The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA) swiftly responded to the disaster by initiating a rescue operation in hopes of finding any remaining victims.
Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs at FCT FEMA, gave an official statement in Abuja on Thursday, confirming the incident. She also highlighted that a collaborative effort was underway involving FCT FEMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the FCT Command of the Nigerian Police to rescue and evacuate all those affected by the building collapse.
“This two-storey building, which served both residential and commercial purposes, crumbled on Wednesday night,” stated Mrs. Isa. “The FCT FEMA Search and Rescue Team is currently awaiting the arrival of excavators to intensify the search, ensuring that no victim is left behind in the debris.”
Dr. Abbass Iddriss, the Director-General of FCT FEMA, expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the rescue operation, including members of the community who were tirelessly working to manually extract trapped individuals.
This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adhering to stringent safety measures in the construction and maintenance of buildings. The swift response and coordinated efforts from the authorities and the local community offer a testament to the commitment placed on preserving human lives in the face of such emergencies.
May those who lost their lives in this distressing incident rest in eternal peace, and may the survivors find comfort and strength in the support and unity of their fellow Nigerians.
NAN