FEMD Rescues Three from Collapsed Building in Abuja

FEMD Rescues Three from Collapsed Building in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) rescued three individuals from the rubble of a collapsed four-story building in Abuja on Monday.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, the acting Director-General of FEMD, announced in a statement on Tuesday that no lives were lost in the incident.

The building, located at 23 Nkwere Street, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, Garki, collapsed while undergoing renovations. Wenegieme reported that the rescued victims were taken to the hospital, treated, and discharged.

FEMD received a distress call around 8:20 p.m. on Monday via their 112 emergency toll-free number, alerting them to the building’s collapse. The department swiftly activated the Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Julius Berger Fire Service, and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for immediate response. CGC Construction Company also provided support, and the Garki Divisional Police Command was present at the scene.

Wenegieme emphasized the importance of adhering to building codes and engaging professional builders and engineers. “Developers should also carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations and use only standard building materials,” she stated.

Reacting to the incident, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, ordered the demolition of the remaining structure and sealed the premises. He also announced that the Nigerian Buildings and Roads Research Institute would be engaged to conduct integrity tests on other buildings in the area.