Owner of Collapsed Building in Abuja Ordered to be Arrested

In a tragic turn of events, a two-storey building in Abuja collapsed, leading to the loss of two lives and leaving 37 individuals injured. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, swiftly took action by ordering the arrest of the building's owner. Mr. Wike, who visited the collapse site, expressed his condolences to the families affected and instructed the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration to cover the medical expenses of the hospitalized victims.

Speaking on the incident, Mr. Wike emphasized the importance of proper planning and adherence to building standards. He noted that cities are planned precisely to avoid such unfortunate occurrences. The Minister called on stakeholders to collaborate with government officials to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.

The Director of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the affected area was not planned and housed an indigenous community. He revealed that the building served multiple purposes, accommodating both residential and commercial units.

While the search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, the Permanent Secretary commended the security agencies and contractors who rallied to support the evacuation operation. The Director-General of FCT FEMA, Dr. Idriss Abass, assured the public that all efforts were being made to ensure no one remained trapped under the rubble.

Witnessing their investments and properties reduced to ruins, some victims recounted their losses and appealed for government assistance. Ms. Glory Perekeme, who had a restaurant and bar in the building, estimated her losses to be around N5 million. Overwhelmed by the devastation, she pleaded for support to help her rebuild her business.

Mrs. Ann Anyi, another victim, had a laundry business and sold shoes. She expressed her despair, hoping to salvage anything from the rubble once the rescue operations were concluded.

This unfortunate incident in Abuja serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent building regulations and adherence to safety standards. It is incumbent upon authorities to enforce these regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies. Building collapses often occur due to negligence, inadequate construction practices, or the use of substandard materials.

The responsibility of ensuring that buildings comply with safety standards lies with both the owners and the relevant government agencies. Property owners must engage qualified professionals during the construction process and obtain the necessary approvals. Additionally, government bodies responsible for monitoring and enforcing building regulations must exercise their duties diligently to prevent non-compliance.

While the arrest of the building owner is a step towards accountability, comprehensive investigations must be carried out to identify any other parties involved in the negligence that led to the collapse. The results of such investigations should serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the importance of observing building standards.

The government's immediate response in covering medical bills and taking steps to resettle affected residents demonstrates its commitment to supporting those most affected by this unfortunate incident. However, it is crucial for the government and relevant stakeholders to provide further aid and assistance to the victims, assisting them in their efforts to rebuild their lives and businesses.

Instances like this call for broader reflections on the state of the nation's infrastructure and urban development. Providing safe and sustainable living conditions should be a priority, not only in Abuja but across the entire country. Failure to address these issues could lead to repeat incidents, causing unnecessary loss of lives and property.

The collapse of this building in Abuja must serve as a wake-up call. The government, regulatory bodies, and citizens must collectively work towards a safer built environment, ensuring that every structure meets the required standards.

We appeal for proactive measures, including rigorous inspections, professional vetting, and regular maintenance of existing buildings across the country. Efforts in promoting public safety should not be compromised or disregarded.

As we mourn the lives lost and support those affected by this tragedy, we must reflect on how to prevent such calamities in the future. Let this be a turning point - a moment of reckoning for building standards and regulations in Nigeria.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this unfortunate incident in Abuja.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-24 News

More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.