FCTA Begins Removal Of Collapsed Building Remnants In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the removal of the remnants of a three-storey building that collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The building collapsed on Monday evening, prompting emergency responders and relevant authorities to mobilise to the scene to ascertain the extent of the incident and determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble.

According to a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, FCTA, Nkechi Isa, on Tuesday, September 8, heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator and payloader belonging to Zeberced Construction Company, arrived at the scene at about 11:04 p.m. and commenced excavation operations.

The Head of Search and Rescue, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Monday Adie, confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident.

Adie said excavation operations were initially delayed to give occupants enough time to retrieve their personal belongings and other valuables from the building.

READ ALSO: Abuja Building Collapses Hours After FCTA Sealed Property

He added that about 90 per cent of the occupants’ properties were salvaged through the combined efforts of security agencies and volunteers before excavation and demolition activities began.

The FCTA said the three-storey structure, which served both commercial and residential purposes, had earlier been identified as structurally unsafe.

According to the statement, the FCTA Department of Development Control had marked the building for demolition after one of the pillars supporting the structure collapsed.

The department also issued evacuation notices to occupants, warning them of the danger posed by the building’s structural condition.

The FCTA said its intervention was part of efforts to safeguard lives and property and enforce building safety regulations across the Federal Capital Territory.

“The FCTA remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with building regulations and safety standards across the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement said.

The Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Police Command, Department of Development Control, National Emergency Management Agency and the Health and Environment Secretariat were among the agencies present at the scene.

The administration said excavation and demolition operations would continue as authorities work to clear the site and ensure compliance with safety standards.

TVC NEWS had earlier reported that a building collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, after the FCTA Development Control had earlier on Monday sealed up the building and asked the occupants to vacate the building.