•Scene of the building collapse
A building has collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with rescue operations currently underway at the scene.
Men of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service are at the scene conducting rescue operations, while three ambulances have also been stationed at the location.
The FCT Police Command said it received a distress call about the building collapse last night.
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.
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 also joined the rescue and search operations.
The FCTA Development Control Department had earlier sealed the building and directed its occupants to vacate the premises.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the building had earlier been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja.
So far, no victims have been confirmed, according to the police, although search and rescue operations are still ongoing to identify and rescue any persons who may be trapped in the rubble.
The police said investigation was also ongoing to determine the circumstances and possible cause of the building collapse.
The Command urged 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 were also advised to promptly report any suspicious activity or emergency to the Command through the emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
