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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered free medical treatment for victims of a three-storey building that collapsed behind Gudu Market in Abuja on Saturday, a disaster that left five people dead and injured at least 11 others.
Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, who visited the scene, said emergency responders were continuing search-and-rescue efforts to reach more people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
“His Excellency, the FCT Minister, has directed that all casualties be given free medical treatment,” Dr Fasawe said at the site. “Our teams are on hand to provide immediate care and ensure survivors receive the attention they need.”
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) said in a statement that the building, which was under construction, collapsed at about 8:30 a.m.
The statement, signed by the department’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed five fatalities and said 11 others sustained injuries.
FEMD reported that its search-and-rescue teams had rescued 16 people so far and that 11 survivors were transported to hospitals, including the Federal Medical Centre, Asokoro District Hospital and Maitama Hospital, for treatment.
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In a dramatic moment during the operation, one victim was pulled out alive after spending more than nine hours trapped beneath debris.
Fasawe said she personally attended to the survivor immediately after the rescue before he was moved to hospital for further care.
“Rescue personnel worked tirelessly through the morning and afternoon,” Dr Fasawe said. “We are relieved to have pulled some people to safety, but search continues for others who may still be trapped.”
FEMD said most of those believed to have been trapped were labourers working on the construction site. Other emergency agencies involved in the response included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and the FCT Police Command.
“Also at the scene were personnel of the Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, FCT Emergency Medical Services, and health officers from Wuse District Hospital,” the FEMD statement added.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or provided a confirmed cause for the collapse; investigations are expected to follow.
