The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has sealed off a construction site in the Gudu area of Abuja following a building collapse that claimed five lives, while an engineer linked to the project has been arrested as investigations begin.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered a full-scale probe into the incident on Monday after visiting the scene, describing the collapse as tragic and unacceptable. He confirmed that both the developer and other responsible parties would be held accountable.
“From the report I got, we lost five people and some lives were saved. It’s very pathetic,” Wike said, adding that the government would not compromise on building safety standards.
He explained that the Department of Development Control had already sealed the premises and preliminary investigations were underway. According to him, a panel would be set up to determine the exact cause of the structural failure.
Wike further disclosed that one engineer had already been arrested in connection with the collapsed structure, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the developer. He stressed that anyone found culpable would face the law.
The minister warned against disregard for approved building regulations, including proper soil testing and the use of quality construction materials. He noted that many developers often resist regulatory supervision and attempt to undermine enforcement agencies when violations are identified.
According to him, the priority of the FCT Administration remains the protection of lives and property, adding that preventable construction failures must no longer be tolerated in the capital city.
The government has since taken over the site as investigations continue, with the development control unit tasked with carrying out initial technical assessments pending the outcome of the panel’s findings.
The Gudu collapse adds to growing concerns over building safety compliance in Abuja, where authorities have repeatedly warned developers against cutting corners in construction processes.
