It’s happening now: Police officers respond to Abuja building collapse, rescue operations underway

The FCT Police Command has mobilized its officers to the scene of the building collapse in Abuja, even as rescue operations are ongoing, the Command said.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, in a press release late Monday evening, said: “The FCT Police Command, on Monday at around 7.45pm, received a distress call reporting a building collapse on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

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

SP Adeh disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the building had previously been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja. “No casualties have been confirmed so far. However, search and rescue operations are still ongoing to identify and rescue any people who may be trapped in the rubble. Further details on the extent of damage will be communicated in due course.

“Investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse. The Command urges residents to remain calm and safety-conscious, avoid the affected area and cooperate with rescuers to facilitate the ongoing rescue operations.

“Citizens are also recommended to promptly report any suspicious activity or emergency to the Command through the emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938”, they added.