Abuja Building Collapse: Two Dead, 37 Injured As Wike Orders Arrest Of Landlord

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

At least, two people were confirmed dead and 37 others injured when a two-storey building collapsed on Wednesday night in Abuja. 

The incident occured at Lagos street, Garki Village area of Garki District, just as the injured victims were safely evacuated to various medical facilities in Abuja.

Findings by News Rider revealed that the collapsed structure was constructed for both residential and commercial use.

The Director-General of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Abbass Iddriss confirmed the incident via a statement on Thursday. 

He noted that others were reportedly trapped, adding that though rescue team are on ground, that rescue operation is slow due to the heavy rainfall. 

Iddriss lauded the efforts of all stakeholders working hard manually to rescue trapped persons, including members of the community. 

He stated that rescue mission is in progress, while  awaiting the arrival of more equipment to enhance the operations. 

To this end, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr Nyesom Wike ordered the arrest of the owner of the collapsed two-storey building. 

Wike, who gave the order when he visited the scene of the incident on Thursday, also told the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, Mr Adesola Olusade to pay the medical bills of those hospitalised.

The minister enjoined the Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) to urgently resettle the residents of the community.

“This is what we are talking about; people just built houses without due diligence to minimum standards.

“This is why cities are planned – forestall this kind of incidents.

“I sympathise with those who lost their lives while the medical bills of those in the hospitals will be paid immediately,” he added. 

The Director of Development Control Department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima hinted that the area was unplanned and houses an indigenous community.

He confirmed that the two-storey building was built for both residential and commercial use.

Meanwhile, some of the victims, who spoke with News Rider pleaded with the government for financial assistance. 

Ms Glory Perekeme, who operates a restaurant and a bar at the building, stated that she lost about N5 million during the incident. 

While lamenting that she was unable to salvage some of her properties, she said that she was on her way home when she received a call around 10: 00pm that the building collapsed.

Another victim, Mrs Ann Anyi, who owns a laundry shop and also sells shoes, maintained that she lost her entire investment to the incident.