By Faridat Salifu
Three individuals have been successfully rescued following the collapse of a four-storey building at Unity House, Area 11, Garki in Abuja on Monday night. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the rescue efforts early Tuesday morning.
The building, which is adjacent to the Westbrook Hotel, crumbled, trapping several people beneath the debris. Emergency services were swiftly alerted, leading to an immediate response from multiple agencies.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, reported that upon receiving the distress call, FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh quickly mobilized multiple patrol teams to the site.
“Our teams were among the first responders, cordoning off the area to facilitate rescue operations,” Adeh said.
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The rescue teams worked through the night, pulling three individuals from the rubble. The victims were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries remains undisclosed, but their prompt evacuation is a testament to the efficiency of the emergency response teams.
Collaboration with Emergency Agencies
The FCT Police have coordinated with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the FCT Development Control to manage the situation effectively. Personnel from these agencies have taken control of the site, ensuring a comprehensive response to the incident.
While the cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, initial reports suggest the possibility of further casualties. Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least two more individuals being extricated from the wreckage.
The authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the reasons behind the structural failure. “Our priority right now is the safety and recovery of those affected,” stated SP Adeh. “We are working closely with all relevant agencies to manage the aftermath and prevent such occurrences in the future.”
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about building safety standards in rapidly growing urban areas like Abuja. The FCT Development Control has been urged to intensify its oversight and ensure compliance with building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
As rescue operations continue, the public is advised to avoid the vicinity of the collapse to allow emergency services to perform their duties without hindrance. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
