A building under construction has collapsed in Abuja’s Sabon Lugbe area, trapping several individuals beneath the rubble, according to reports from witnesses and local authorities. The structure, located within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reportedly caved in on Saturday evening, leaving people in the area frantically calling for emergency responders.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos that unfolded immediately after the building collapsed, with many fearing for the safety of those trapped. “People are under this rubble. It’s a building under construction,” one witness told news outlets. “We are calling on the government and relevant agencies to come and rescue those who are trapped here.”
Emergency response teams have yet to confirm the exact number of victims trapped or whether any casualties have been reported. Local authorities and rescue teams are working against the clock to reach those trapped under the debris. The situation has drawn significant public concern, especially in light of the rising incidents of building collapses across the country.
This latest tragedy follows a similar collapse earlier in the week on Amusu Street in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State, where a two-storey building gave way, forcing nearby residents to flee for safety. Videos of the Orile Iganmu incident, shared widely on social media, showed extensive damage and a chaotic scene as emergency responders worked to clear the rubble.
According to a July 2024 report, Nigeria has experienced 135 building collapses between 2022 and mid-2024, highlighting a troubling trend. Structural integrity issues, poor construction practices, and lack of adherence to building codes are among the suspected causes contributing to these tragic incidents.
The frequency of building collapses has led to increased scrutiny on construction practices and regulatory enforcement, prompting public outcry for stricter oversight and accountability.
