Police call for calm as three-storey building marked for demolition collapses in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has urged residents to remain calm following the collapse of a three-storey building on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday night.

She said the Command received a distress call at about 7:45 pm reporting the disturbing incident.

SP Josephine explained that upon receipt of the report, a police response team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, and the Area Commander, Metro, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu, was immediately deployed to the scene.

The PPRO noted that the team, alongside personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA; Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC; Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA; Federal Fire Service, FFS; Security Service Department; Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA; and other relevant emergency response agencies, commenced rescue and search operations at the scene with immediate effect.

According to her statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the building was earlier marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja, following a crack in it.

“So far, no victims have been confirmed,” the PPRO added.

She, however, said search and rescue operations are still ongoing to “identify and rescue any persons who may be trapped in the rubble. Further details on the extent of damage will be communicated in due time.

“Investigation is still ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse.

“The Command urges residents to remain calm and security-conscious, avoid the affected area, and cooperate with emergency responders to facilitate the ongoing rescue operations.”