Abuja building collapse: Osinbajo visits scene, as FCT Minister assures adequate emergency care for victims

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, visited the scene of a collapsed three-storey shopping complex at Utako, Abuja.
After inspecting rescue operations at the scene, the acting president, described the incident as “very unfortunate’’.
He condoled with relatives of those who might have died and those injured and as well expressed optimism that  those who were still trapped under the rubble would be rescued.
“It was building under construction; it appears to have collapsed a couple of hours ago.
“ I think the most important thing is that at the moment, we have all the relief and the safety agencies here.
“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is here, FCT authorities are here, the minister himself is here; the Federal Government is here.

“So, I think as far the whole processes of ensuring that who may be trapped in the collapsed building are rescued in well underway; all the emergency equipment are here.
“There is enough for us to expect that they should at least be able to rescue anyone who may still be trapped in this building. I am quite satisfied so far with the level of the activities to ensure that this very unfortunate incident is not made worse by any loss of lives,” he said.
The acting president was accompanied to the scene by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.
Rescue efforts were still on at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has assured the public of adequate emergency medical care for the victims.
Bello said this in a statement by Mr Cosmas Uzodinma, Chief Press Secretary, FCT on Friday in Abuja.
The Minister was on ground at the site of the Jabi collapsed building during, which only about six have been rescued with various degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, with one death recorded.
The FCT boss, who was accompanied by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa, were on the sight to oversee rescue operations at  the scene of the unfortunate incident.
He commended the emergency officers and fist responders for their prompt response.
“Efforts are ongoing to excavate the place and clear to rubbles in order to rescue some of the people suspected to have been covered by the rubbles.
The Minister prayed that the rescue operators would meet the victims alive.
“We are working to get under the debris to get out all those that have been trapped there.
“I am very appreciative of the quick response of the emergency management agency and as you can see, they are doing a good job.
The ambulances are here what we need now is to support the rescue workers.
“We have placed selected hospitals on high alert and I have directed the hospitals to ensure diligent treatment of any of the victims brought in from the site. My prayer is that those that are trapped would come out safe,” Bello said.
He, however, indicated that a machinery would be set in motion to unravel the reason for the collapsed building.
The four storey complex located near Jabi Motor park had been abandoned for 15 years before work resumed three months ago.