FCT Police Order Investigation Into Collapsed Abuja Building

FCT Police Order Investigation Into Collapsed Abuja Building

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The FCT Police Command has ordered a full-scale investigation into the collapse of a three-storey building under construction in Jikwoyi, Abuja, as rescue efforts continue at the site.

The incident, which occurred on Friday morning in Jikwoyi Phase 1, prompted an emergency response after a distress call was received around 9:00 a.m., according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, immediately deployed operatives to the scene alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, with the area cordoned off to facilitate rescue work.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Federal Fire Service, and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, joined the operation to search for victims trapped in the rubble.

Preliminary findings indicate that 17 workers were on site when the structure gave way. Eight of them have been rescued and taken to the Sisters of the Nativity Hospital in Jikwoyi, where they are receiving treatment, while nine others escaped without injury.

“Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate and extract any other victims who may still be trapped,” the statement said.

The police said the investigation, to be carried out in collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Authority, will focus on establishing the cause of the collapse and identifying any lapses in regulatory compliance.

The Commissioner of Police also directed that all persons and authorities involved in the approval, issuance, and inspection of the building project be invited for questioning.

“He further stated that all individuals and authorities responsible for the approval, issuance, and inspection of the construction site will be invited for questioning as part of efforts to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.

The Command urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report emergencies or suspicious activities through its designated control room lines.