Rescue operations at a building that collapsed in Jabi area of Nigeria’s capital Abuja are currently undergoing.
According to reports, the building was under construction when it collapsed. At the moment, two people have died and three others injured in the incident. At least 18 people were trapped in the rubble. Excavators were on the after the incident was reported.
Update : the search and rescue effort is still on going at the site of #collapsed buiding in Jabi, Abuja pic.twitter.com/0nyIqoUCu5
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— NEMA Nigeria (@nemanigeria) August 17, 2018
Many Nigerians posted their condolences to the victims, led by the acting president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who visited the site.
This evening, I visited the site of the building that collapsed in Abuja.
My heart goes out to the family that lost someone today. There are no words to describe how you must be feeling.
On behalf of this nation, please accept our sincere condolences. pic.twitter.com/kLLEXf8SMw
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) August 17, 2018
To all of the people who were injured, we wish you speedy recovery.
Thank you to officials of the FCT Fire Service and NEMA for conducting rescue operations quickly. Your actions saved lives today, thank you so very much. pic.twitter.com/Bl4b4nc7Rp
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) August 17, 2018
The Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also sent in his heartfelt message to the families affected by the tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers are with families of all those affected by the tragedy of the collapsed building in Jabi area of Abuja. May they be comforted. https://t.co/1YsiqypHlo
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) August 17, 2018
The Minister of the Federal capital territory (FCT), Musa Bello, called on the security operatives to apprehend the contractor handling the project.
This adds to the number of buildings that have collapsed in Nigeria. In 2014, a church building belonging to T.B Joshua collapsed killing 116 people. The case against the pastor was dismissed in 2016.
Just last week a building collapsed in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practices in Nigeria announced that it would take disciplinary measures against quack builders.
“We will not spare anybody found culpable in relation to this collapsed building. This is the message we have been preaching for years. The Engineering body is a professional body, and we will not take it likely with anybody whose job is to tarnish the image of this professional body. We will commence investigation soon,” the organisation said.
