Abuja Building Collapse: Wike Orders Owner’s Arrest, Resettlement of Residents

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate identification and arrest of the owner of a collapsed two-storey building in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of at least two residents, with 37 others rescued and taken to hospitals. The building, located at Lagos Crescent in Garki Village, Garki District, was one of the first-storey structures in the area.

Wike, who visited the scene, expressed concern about the slow pace of resettlement for the original residents of the area.

He commended the rescue efforts by agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Wike also stressed the importance of following building codes and regulations to prevent such incidents, highlighting the need for government actions in areas with illegal developments.

Dr. Abbas Idriss, the Director-General of FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), reported that 37 individuals were rescued from the collapsed building and evacuated to various medical facilities. He noted that ongoing rain had slowed down rescue operations.

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Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, revealed that the building had no planning approval, as the area was designated for resettlement.

Wike emphasized the importance of government decisions for the safety of the public and expressed his sympathies for the lives lost.

He assured that the government would cover the medical bills of the victims and work to ensure the full rescue of those still trapped in the rubble. The tragic incident has shed light on the need for strict adherence to building regulations and efficient urban planning practices to prevent such disasters in the future.