No fewer than five people have died after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Durumi area of Abuja on Saturday.
The incident happened near Gudu Market in the Durumi Three area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities said at least 10 other persons sustained injuries in the collapse, while emergency workers continued search-and-rescue operations at the site.
Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed the latest casualty figures in a statement issued after the incident.
He also confirmed that rescue teams pulled one person out alive after the victim spent more than nine hours beneath the rubble.
The victims were said to be construction workers who were at the site when the building came down.
“Rescue operations still ongoing as emergency responders continued efforts to evacuate more victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble at the construction site located around Gaduwa Estate in the Gudu district,” he said.
Olayinka added that the FCT Minister had directed hospitals to provide treatment for all affected victims at no cost.
“Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who was at the scene, said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed that all casualties be given free medical treatment.”
Earlier, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that four people died while 12 others suffered injuries in the incident.
According to the agency, emergency responders moved to the location shortly after receiving a distress alert.
NEMA said several agencies participated in the rescue operation.
“Critical stakeholders including Federal Fire, FCT Fire, NSCDC, NPF, FRSC and Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were activated while a response team of NEMA from the Abuja Operations Office led by the Head of Operations Mr Zakari Abubakar and operatives from AYA Emergency Response Bay (ERAB) were deployed to the scene for quick response and coordination,” the statement reads.
“A reinforcement team from NEMA Headquarters led by the Director Search and Response (DSAR) Air Cdre Bature Usman was also on ground to provide necessary backup and supervision.”
The agency added that injured victims had been taken to Asokoro General Hospital for medical attention.
