A tragic accident at a construction site in Abuja has claimed the life of a 25-year-old labourer after part of a building foundation caved in during excavation works. The incident occurred on Monday evening within the premises of Radio House, Area 8, Garki.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the collapse happened around 5:50 p.m. when a section of the foundation wall gave way as workers dug nearly seven feet below ground level.
Mr. Monday Adie, leader of FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team, confirmed that two workers were trapped under the debris. “One of the victims was rescued alive, but unfortunately, the other suffered fatal injuries and could not be saved,” he said.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, quickly mobilised to the scene following a distress call, assisting in the rescue effort.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the collapse as “avoidable” and urged developers to prioritise safety in construction projects.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of adherence to safety regulations and the use of qualified professionals in the building sector,” Mohammed stated. “Developers must shun quacks to prevent needless loss of lives.”
He further appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to make use of the toll-free emergency number 112 to report accidents and emergencies promptly, assuring that FEMD remains committed to swift disaster response across Abuja.
The incident adds to growing concerns over building safety standards in the nation’s capital, where regulators have repeatedly warned against the use of substandard materials and unqualified contractors.
