Dozens of people have been trapped in a building which collapsed in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja on Sunday morning.
The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh disclosed this, adding in a statement that the building collapsed in an estate in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Adeh added that police operatives and rescue workers are still battling to save lives as over 40 persons were trapped in the building.
She, however, hinted that no casualties have been recorded yet but sources said two persons were feared dead while rescue workers are working hard to save trapped individuals.
Authorities in the FCT Police Command also revealed that five persons have been rescued so far.
“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the collapse of a building situated in Vidaz Estate within the Sabon Lugbe extension, FCT,” Adeh said.
“Our preliminary investigations reveal that the building was previously demolished by the FCT Authorities due to its location in an illegally acquired area. Regrettably, the structure was further compromised by scavengers who had been tampering with the remnants for scrap metal, ultimately leading to its secondary collapse.
“A total of five individuals were successfully rescued from the debris, and there were no reported fatalities.
“In light of this incident, we urge the public to respect the boundaries of demolished structures and construction sites, ensuring their safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.”
Police operatives have been deployed to the scene by the Commissioner of Police in Abuja, CP Tunji Disu, to maintain law and order while also assisting in rescue operations.
