Two feared killed, others trapped in collapsed Abuja building

A three-storey building under construction at Jabi District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Friday, collapsed, killing two people while trapping several others.

Investigation by Saturday Tribune revealed that the building had been abandoned for over 15 years and consequently became an abode for some homeless people who were forced to quit after the owner recently resumed construction works.

Witnesses told Saturday Tribune that the building collapsed on construction workers and some women and children who were trading at the site.

According to one of the witnesses, Stephen Nmaduabuchi, two corpses were recovered from the ruins of the collapsed building.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Friday evening, visited the site as rescue workers battled to save victims trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building.

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NEMA, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials, the Police and other law enforcement agents were at the scene of the incident at the time of filling this report.

It will be recalled that the FCTA recently demolished an uncompleted two storey building at the elites zone of Gwarrinpa, which was said to have been showing signs of partial collapse.

Acting President Osinbajo described the Friday  incident as unfortunate.

He said all  relevant agencies were on ground to ensure that the rescue operation was effectively carried out.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Osinbajo commiserated with relatives of the victims.

He expressed the hope that those who might still be trapped under the building would be rescued.

“First, I want to say the collapse of this building is a very unfortunate incident. As you know, it was a building under construction. It appears to have collapsed a few hours ago. I think that the most important thing at the moment is that we have all of the relief, safety and emergency management agencies all here.

“NEMA is here, the FCT authorities are here, the Hon. Minister himself is here, the government is here.

“So, the whole process of ensuring that those who may be trapped under this collapsed building are rescued is well underway.

“As you can see, all of the emergency equipment, help movers and the equipment that are required, are here. There is enough for us to expect that they should at least be able to rescue anyone who may still be trapped in this building,” he said.