A 27-year-old security guard identified as Aliyu who was trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in Life Camp, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has had his mangled leg amputated.
Aliyu, who was rescued alive after being buried for eight hours beneath the collapsed structure along Sarah Ezekwe Street, near Kado Fish Market, is currently receiving treatment at Cedar Crest Hospital, Apo, and he is said to be in stable condition.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, and was first reported by the Director of Security, FCTA, at approximately 7:09 p.m.
THE WHISTLER had reported that the collapsed structure is one of three blocks of a three-storey residential complex still under construction.
According to emergency officials, two persons were inside the affected building when it gave way. One of the victims managed to escape unhurt, while Aliyu remained trapped until he was pulled out alive at about 4:05 a.m. on Sunday.
The intensive search-and-rescue effort involved a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal and FCT Fire Services, the Nigeria Police FCT Command, the Civil Defense Corps, the Joint Task Force, and construction giant Julius Berger.
Speaking on the incident, Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, stressed the importance of professional supervision in the building sector, especially during the rainy season.
“This is the rainy season. Builders must check the foundation of their structures and quickly correct any anomalies,” he advised in a statement signed on Monday by the department’s Spokesperson, Nkechi Isa.
Mohammed further warned against the continued use of substandard and fake building materials, which he said contribute significantly to the growing number of building collapses across the country.
He commended the swift response of all emergency stakeholders, especially the construction companies, for their support during the operation.
Authorities said investigations into the cause of the collapse and the structural integrity of the remaining blocks within the premises will commence.
