By Stanley Onyekwere
A tragic early morning building collapse in the Gudu District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has left at least five people dead and 12 others rescued alive, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM , when a three-story building under construction—located directly behind the bustling Gudu Market—suddenly pancaked, trapping dozens of sleeping workers beneath layers of concrete and steel.
Following a distress call, a combined team of first responders was deployed to the scene.
The search and rescue operation is being spearheaded by the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, and officers from the FCT Police Command.
According to a statement released by Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs for FEMD, rescue teams have successfully pulled 12 survivors from the rubble.
”Search and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders battle to rescue more persons trapped in the rubble of the collapsed three-story building,” Isa stated.
It was gathered that all the 12 survivors rescued so far have been rushed to local healthcare facilities—including the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, Asokoro District Hospital, and Maitama Hospital—to receive urgent treatment for various degrees of injuries.
Tragically, five individuals were recovered dead from the debris.
Authorities noted that the vast majority of the victims are believed to be site laborers who were sleeping inside the uncompleted structure when it gave way.
While the immediate focus remains on locating potential survivors trapped in the debris, the incident is expected to reignite fierce public debate surrounding structural integrity, building code enforcement, and construction site safety regulations within the nation’s capital.
Heavy duty excavators and rescue K9s remain on site as the clock ticks for anyone still trapped.
Officials have stated that a full investigation into the root cause of the collapse will be launched as soon as rescue operations are concluded.
Meanwhile, FCT Administration’s Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who was at the scene, said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed that all casualties be given free medical treatment.
Our correspondent reports
as anxious residents gathered around the scene even as the search and rescue operations continued.
