Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A building previously sealed by the Department of Development Control has collapsed on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, prompting emergency agencies to begin search and rescue operations.
The incident occurred at about 7:45pm on Monday after the FCT Police Command received a distress call concerning the building collapse.
Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said a response team was immediately deployed to the scene and joined personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Federal Fire Service, Security Service Department, Federal Capital Territory Administration and other emergency agencies.
Adeh said preliminary findings established that the building had earlier been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control in Abuja.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the building has earlier been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja,” Adeh said.
She said no casualty had been confirmed as of the time of the statement, while rescue teams continued searching the rubble for possible victims.
“So far, no victims have been confirmed. However, search and rescue operations are still ongoing to identify and rescue any persons who may be trapped in the rubble,” she said.
The police said an investigation had also commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and establish its possible cause.
“Investigation is still ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse,” the statement added.
The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid the affected area and allow emergency responders to conduct the search and rescue operation without obstruction.
It also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies through the police emergency lines.
