A three-storey residential building under construction collapsed on Saturday in the Durumi area of Abuja, near the popular Gudu Market, triggering a large-scale rescue operation by emergency responders.
A photojournalist at the scene reported that at least seven victims had been pulled from the rubble as of noon, with one person rescued alive.
Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, while authorities had yet to determine the total number of casualties.
Wike Orders Free Treatment for Victims
Reacting to the incident, the Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, directed that all victims receive free medical treatment.
According to Fasawe, the intervention was aimed at ensuring prompt medical care for everyone affected by the collapse.
Emergency officials, including personnel from the Federal Fire Service, health workers, security agencies and local volunteers, continued search-and-rescue operations as worried residents gathered around the scene.
Emergency Teams Intensify Search Operations
Authorities intensified rescue efforts as excavators and emergency personnel worked through debris in search of trapped victims.
The exact cause of the collapse had not been officially established as of press time.
Building Collapse Incidents Rare in Abuja
Unlike Lagos, where cases of building collapse have occurred more frequently, such incidents are relatively uncommon in Abuja.
However, experts and residents have often linked collapse cases to inadequate supervision and possible violations of construction standards.
Previous Incident Raises Safety Concerns
The latest tragedy comes months after a two-storey building collapsed in Jikwoyi, an area within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), leaving several workers injured.
Following that incident, FCT Minister Nyesom Wile reportedly ordered the arrest of the building owner.
As of May 16, 2026, authorities had yet to provide an official update regarding the outcome of that investigation.
