A three-storey hotel building has collapsed on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, sparking a frantic search-and-rescue operation by emergency agencies for possible survivors.
The building reportedly came down at about 7:45 p.m., with the FCT Police Command receiving a distress call and immediately deploying its operatives to the scene.
Preliminary investigation by the police on Monday revealed that the collapsed building had earlier been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control, Abuja
The police response team, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, and Area Commander, Metro, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu, joined other emergency responders in the rescue operation.
Other response team were the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Security Service Department, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other relevant agencies were also mobilised to the scene.
As gathered, the rescue teams immediately commenced search operations amid concerns that people could be trapped beneath the debris.
The development has heightened concerns over how the structure remained standing despite the regulatory action.
As of press time, the police said no victim had been confirmed, but emergency workers were still combing the rubble to determine whether anyone was trapped and to rescue possible survivors.
In a statement released by the FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said further details on the extent of damage would be released as the operation progresses.
Meanwhile, investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and establish its possible cause.
The police, meanwhile, has appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected area and cooperate with emergency responders to prevent interference with the ongoing rescue operation.