Abuja Collapsed Building: Relevant Agencies Will Ensure Rescue Operations, Osinbajo

***As One Dead, Over 20 Others Trapped

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo,  has described the collapse of a four-storey building in Jabi/Utako area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as an unfortunate incident.

He however, assured that all the relevant public agencies are on ground to ensure rescue operations are effectively carried out.

Prof. Osinbajo said these when he visited the scene of the collapsed building in Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory earlier today.

The building said to be under construction before the incident, collapsed about 1.30 pm Friday.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Prof. Osinbajo commiserated with relatives of those who may have died and those injured.

He further expressed hope that those who may still be trapped under the building would be rescued and assured that rescue operations are continuing.

Prof Osinbajo said, “First, I want to say that the collapse of this building is a very unfortunate incident. As you know, it was a building under construction.

“It appears to have collapsed a few hours ago. I think that the most important thing at the moment is that we have all of the relief, safety and emergency management agencies all here. NEMA is here, the FCT authorities are here, the Hon. Minister himself is here, the executive government is here.

“So, the whole process of ensuring that those who may be trapped under this collapsed building are rescued is well underway. As you can see, all of the emergency equipment, help movers and the equipment that are required, are here.

” There is enough for us to expect that they should at least be able to rescue anyone who may still be trapped in this building. I am quite satisfied so far with the level of the activities to ensure that this very unfortunate incident is not made worse by any loss of lives.”

The Acting President was accompanied to the site by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Meanwhile, about 20 persons were said to have been trapped while one corpse had been recovered from the scene just as it could not be determined how many trapped were dead as the rescue operations were on going.