Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has mandated free medical care for individuals affected by a tragic building collapse in Abuja. The incident occurred on Saturday when a three-storey building, still under construction, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of five people.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, revealed details of the ongoing rescue operations during her visit to the site. Emergency responders continue their efforts to evacuate more victims, as several individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
One victim, who endured over nine hours trapped under the rubble, was rescued alive and received immediate medical attention from Fasawe before being transported to the hospital for further care. The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) reported that the building behind Gudu Market collapsed at 8:30 a.m. The collapse resulted in five fatalities and injuries to eleven others.
FEMD, through a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nkechi Isa, confirmed that its search and rescue team has successfully rescued 16 individuals so far. The statement also noted that eleven survivors have been admitted to the Federal Medical Center Abuja, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama Hospital for treatment.
The department highlighted that most of those trapped were laborers working on the site. Additional emergency personnel, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and FCT Police Command, remain on-site conducting search and rescue operations, while concerned residents look on.
Also present at the scene were members of the Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, FCT Emergency Medical Services, and health officers from Wuse District Hospital.