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The FCT Emergency Management Department has confirmed the recovery of seven bodies of iron scavengers who entered the site of a demolished building in Sabon Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja.
Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Director of the department, reported the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, noting that two additional victims were receiving medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre.
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According to Mohammed, over 500 scavengers descended on the demolished site to salvage iron rods, which led to a portion of the remaining structure collapsing onto them.
He emphasized that rescue operations have concluded and clarified that reports of a multi-storey building collapse with over 40 individuals trapped were inaccurate.
“The building was one of several illegally constructed structures that were demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control on Thursday,” he explained. “The scavengers entered the site in search of iron rods when part of the demolished structure caved in.”
He assured that no one was living in the building, contrary to some media claims. Mohammed mentioned that the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Abuja confirmed the loss of five members from the incident.
He expressed disappointment over the continued presence of scavengers at other demolished sites, stating, “Despite the tragedy, some are still on site attempting to salvage materials. We have asked them to leave, but they are refusing to comply.”
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A police officer at the scene echoed these sentiments, labeling the reports of a multi-storey building collapse and numerous victims as false.
Eyewitness Aliyu Musa recounted warnings given to the scavengers: “I know one of the deceased. We warned him not to enter the building, but he ignored us. He climbed onto the slab and began hitting the iron when it suddenly collapsed, resulting in his death.”
The FCT Emergency Management Department plans to further secure the area and ensure all remaining structures are demolished.
