No More Victims Found In FCT Building Rubble, Says Emergency Dept

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has called off search and rescue operations at the site of the three-storey building that collapsed behind Gudu Market, stating that no additional victims remain trapped beneath the debris.

The building, which was under construction, collapsed on Saturday, claiming five lives and injuring 12 people.

However, after an extensive search that resumed at 7 am yesterday, rescue teams reached ground zero without finding any further victims. The operation was called off at 8:30 am.

The acting director-general of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement signed by the department’s head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nkechi Isa.

“Having reached ground zero, no victims were found beneath the rubble,” Abdulrahman said.

He commended Julius Berger Nigeria and Zeberced for their contributions to the rescue efforts.

Other stakeholders involved included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Army, the FCT Police Command, the FCT Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Secretary of the Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr Fasawe, was also present.

In a dramatic turn during the earlier rescue operations, one victim was pulled out alive after spending more than nine hours trapped under the debris.

Fasawe personally attended to the survivor before he was moved to the hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered free medical treatment for all casualties.

A total of 16 persons were initially rescued, with 11 survivors taken to the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama Hospital for treatment.

Most of those trapped in the rubble were identified as labourers. Authorities have since urged developers to adhere strictly to building safety codes to prevent future tragedies.