A three-storey building has collapsed in the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, prompting an emergency response by relevant authorities.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening, with officials immediately mobilising to the scene to assess the situation and determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the debris.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualty had been officially confirmed in connection with the building collapse.
Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, confirmed the incident and said rescue operations were ongoing at the location.
According to Olayinka, personnel of the FCT Fire Service had arrived at the scene to support the rescue operation and search through the rubble.
He also disclosed that three ambulances had been deployed to the area as part of measures to provide immediate medical attention should any injured person be recovered from the collapsed structure.
The emergency response was reportedly intensified as officials worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and ascertain the condition of people who may have been inside the building before it came down.
Building reportedly showed signs of distress
Further details surrounding the incident indicated that authorities had taken note of the condition of the structure earlier in the day.
Olayinka told TheCable that occupants of the building had been issued a quit notice on Monday by the Department of Development Control of the FCT Administration after the building reportedly began showing signs of distress.
The development has raised fresh concerns about building safety and compliance with construction regulations within the nation’s capital, particularly in areas where older or distressed structures are located.
The authorities are expected to continue their assessment of the site to determine the extent of the damage and establish what may have contributed to the collapse.
Officials are also expected to confirm whether the building had the required approvals and whether its structural condition had deteriorated to a level that made it unsafe for habitation.
Meanwhile, rescue personnel remain at the scene as efforts continue to ensure that no person is trapped under the debris.
Further updates are expected from the FCT authorities as emergency agencies conclude their assessment and rescue operations.
