The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated an investigation into the collapse of a four-storey building located on plot 965, Dape, Life Camp, in the Gwarinpa District of Abuja.
Adesola Olusade, the Permanent Secretary of FCTA, confirmed the commencement of the investigation during an on-site assessment of the collapsed structure. He emphasized that anyone found responsible for the incident would face prosecution.
In a statement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the permanent secretary attributed the building collapse to unprofessional and unsafe practices, highlighting that the developer had disregarded a stop work notice. Olusade asserted that appropriate building codes would be enforced to hold accountable those involved.
The permanent secretary declared the site permanently closed and announced plans to place a caveat on the plot to prevent any further transactions. He further stated, “We will also identify and establish culpability whether for officials of the administration or by external forces.”
To investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the building collapse, Olusade directed the formation of a committee chaired by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Hadi Ahmad.
Dr Abbas Idriss, the Director-General of FEMA, confirmed that the rescue operation had been concluded, as no individuals were found trapped under the debris according to information provided by the rescued individuals.