At least five people have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured following the collapse of a three-storey building under construction behind Gudu Market in Abuja, with emergency responders still searching for possible survivors trapped under the rubble.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed that all casualties from the incident receive free medical treatment as rescue operations intensify at the site.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, disclosed the directive during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene, confirming that the casualty figures may still change as operations continue.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies have so far evacuated 16 persons from the collapsed structure, with one dramatic survival story emerging after a victim was pulled out alive following more than nine hours trapped beneath debris. The survivor was immediately attended to by Dr. Fasawe before being transferred to hospital.
According to the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the collapse occurred at about 8:30 a.m. while construction work was ongoing.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nkechi Isa, the agency confirmed the current casualty breakdown.
“The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), had said in the statement that the building, behind Gudu Market was under construction when it collapsed at 8:30 a.m., killing five persons while 11 others sustained injuries,” the statement said.
It added that the injured victims had been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama District Hospital for treatment.
The agency further noted that most of those affected were construction workers on site at the time of the incident.
Emergency response operations involved personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, and emergency medical teams, all of whom continued search and rescue efforts as anxious residents watched on.
“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 statement added.
Authorities say rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to determine whether more victims remain trapped beneath the debris.
