The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate identification and arrest of the owner of the two-storey building that collapsed last night in Abuja. The building, located at the busy Lagos street, Garki village, Garki II district of Abuja, collapsed around 11:50pm.
During his visit to the site, Wike expressed his condolences and described the incident as unfortunate. The building collapse resulted in the loss of two lives, while 37 individuals were rescued and taken to various hospitals for treatment.
Wike has promised to take care of the medical bills of the victims. He urged the Permanent Secretary to raise funds promptly to ensure that the rescued individuals receive the necessary medical attention.
The Minister also stressed the need for immediate action in resettling the affected indigenes to prevent further tragedies. He emphasized that illegal developments and buildings that do not comply with standard codes pose significant risks to residents.
He said, "When government says take a building plan, it is not to subject anyone to suffering, but to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen. Cities are planned to prevent occurrences like this. We must identify and arrest the owner of this property. Government will take over this area and prevent any further development."
Wike highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the stakeholders and the government to prevent future incidents. He acknowledged that government decisions may not always be comfortable for everyone but emphasized that they are ultimately for the best interests of the people.
He concluded by expressing sympathy for those who lost their lives in the building collapse and assured that the government would cover all hospital bills. Wike also pledged support for ongoing rescue efforts to ensure that everyone still trapped in the rubble is safely rescued.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with non-compliant buildings and the need for strict enforcement of building codes. It is crucial for authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for constructing unsafe structures.
The prompt actions taken by the Minister to address the situation, provide medical support, and ensure the safety of the affected residents demonstrate the commitment of the government to safeguarding the lives of its citizens.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-24 News
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