By Nkechi Eze
A 27-year-old security guard, identified as Aliyu, has had his leg amputated following injuries sustained in the recent collapse of a three-storey building under construction in the Life Camp area of Abuja. The tragic incident occurred along Sarah Ezekwe Street, near the Kado Fish Market, on Saturday evening.
According to an official statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, the victim is currently in a stable condition after undergoing surgery. Aliyu, who was on duty at the collapsed building site, was trapped under the rubble for several hours before being rescued.
The building, which was still under construction, comprises three blocks of residential structures. One of the blocks collapsed with two persons inside. While one of the victims managed to escape, Aliyu remained trapped in the debris until he was pulled out alive at about 4:05 a.m. on Sunday after an intensive eight-hour rescue operation.
He was immediately rushed to Cedar Crest Hospital in Apo, where doctors were forced to amputate his severely crushed leg to save his life.
The rescue effort was carried out by a combined team of emergency response agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the FCT Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Joint Task Force, and Julius Berger Construction Company.
The incident was first reported at approximately 7:09 p.m. by the Director of Security for the FCT Administration.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, stressed the urgent need for adherence to professional standards in the building and construction sector.
“This is the rainy season. Builders must check the foundation of their structures and quickly correct any anomalies,” he said.
Engr. Mohammed also warned against the use of substandard and fake building materials, which he said has been a major contributing factor to the rising cases of building collapse in the country. He urged developers to prioritize quality and safety in all construction activities.
The Acting DG commended the swift response and coordination of all stakeholders, particularly construction companies, in the successful rescue operation. He reiterated FEMD’s commitment to ensuring public safety and urged residents to report any suspicious or defective structures in their neighborhoods.
