Happening now: Police operatives respond to Abuja building collapse, rescue operations ongoing

The FCT Police Command has mobilised its operative to the scene of collapse building in Abuja, even as rescue operations are on-going, the Command said.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, in a press statement late Monday night, said: “The FCT Police Command, Monday at approximately 7:45 p.m., received a distress call reporting the collapse of a building on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

“Upon receiving the report, a Police response team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, and the Area Commander, Metro, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu, promptly responded to the scene. “The team, alongside personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Security Service Department, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and other relevant emergency response agencies, immediately commenced rescue and search operations at the scene.”

SP Adeh disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the building has earlier been marked and sealed by the  Department of Development Control, Abuja. “So far, no victims have been confirmed. However, search and rescue operations are still ongoing to identify and rescue any persons who may be trapped in the rubble. Further details on the extent of damage will be communicated in due time.

“Investigation is still ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse. The Command urges residents to remain calm and security-conscious, avoid the affected area, and cooperate with emergency responders to facilitate the ongoing rescue operations.

“Members of the public are also advised to promptly report any suspicious activity or emergency to the Command through the emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938,” added.