By Joy Yesufu
A 27-year-old citizen of Niger Republic, Aliyu Salisu, was rescued alive after being trapped for nearly 10 hours under the rubble of a collapsed three-storey building in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, August 2, with emergency responders working through the night to save the victim.
His rescue was confirmed early Sunday morning by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Spokesperson for the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the distress call was received around 6:15 p.m., prompting immediate action from the Divisional Police Officer of Lifecamp, who led a multi-agency response team to the site.
“The area was cordoned off and rescue operations commenced in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Development Control Department of the FCTA, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc,” Adeh said.
Salisu was pulled out alive at about 4 a.m. on Sunday and rushed to Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu, for treatment.
Medical personnel confirmed that he is currently in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, visited the scene to oversee operations and commend the swift efforts of responders and community volunteers.
While the cause of the collapse has yet to be officially determined, authorities have urged developers to adhere strictly to building regulations.
The police also advised residents to report emergencies or suspicious activities through its 24-hour control room lines: 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 193.
