Abuja, Nigeria – A five-storey building owned by Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State, collapsed on Tuesday evening. The building, located along Ahmadu Bello Way, was undergoing renovation at the time of the collapse.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
- Security operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command promptly cordoned off the area.
- Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of individuals being trapped inside the rubble.
- An eyewitness recounted seeing two individuals being rescued and taken to the hospital, noting the lack of coordination among emergency responders.
Official Statement from FCT Police Command
- Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Command, confirmed the collapse and the rescue of three individuals.
- The statement read: “The FCT Police Command hereby confirms that yesterday, July 1, 2024, about 8:40 p.m., there was a building collapse at Unity House, Area 11 by Nkwere Street. In response to the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, promptly moved to the scene with multiple patrol teams as first responders to cordon off the area for possible rescue. Three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building and rushed to the hospital for medical care.”
Concerns and Ongoing Operations
- There are concerns about the number of people potentially trapped under the debris.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, though eyewitnesses have highlighted the need for better coordination among the responders.
The collapse raises significant concerns about building safety and regulatory oversight, particularly for structures under renovation. The situation continues to develop as rescue operations progress.