The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command has thrown more light on the building collapse incident that occurred at the Vidaz Estate, within the Sabon Lugbe extension area of the nation’s capital.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that about 40 people were reportedly trapped under the rubble of the building that collapsed on Saturday.
Confirming the unfortunate incident on Sunday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that the building was “previously demolished by the FCT Authorities due to its location in an illegally-acquired area”.
According to her, the structure was further compromised by scavengers popularly known as baban bola, who tampered with the remnants of the building for scrap metal, leading to its secondary collapse and trapping of the victims.
The PPRO confirmed that a total of five persons have successfully been rescued from the debris, stating that there were no fatalities reported.
“In light of this incident, we urge the public to respect the boundaries of demolished structures and construction sites, ensuring their safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future,” the statement added.