The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has restated the warning that unapproved buildings in the nation’s capital will be demolished. He emphasized this while addressing journalists after visiting the site of a collapsed building on Thursday.
Wike stated, “We are emphasizing that any building without proper approval will be brought down. Our intention is not to target anyone. We simply want proper procedures to be followed.”
Meanwhile, in relation to the collapsed building, 37 individuals have been rescued, according to the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA). Two individuals sustained fatal injuries. The Director-General of FEMA, Dr. Abbass Idriss, confirmed that the rescued individuals were receiving medical treatment in Abuja. Search and rescue efforts were ongoing, with the collaboration of various rescue agencies.
Dr. Idriss stated, “A total of 37 persons were rescued, while two others sustained fatal injuries. Our FEMA Search and Rescue team is preparing for excavation to intensify the search and ensure that no victim remains trapped in the collapsed building’s rubble.”
A coordinated effort involving the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, FCT Police Command, and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) is being undertaken to facilitate the rescue operations.