By Gabriel Ameh
A building has collapsed on Abidjan Street in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, prompting a joint search and rescue operation by security and emergency response agencies.
The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident, which occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, following a distress call received by the Command.
The police said a response team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, ACP Edward Akaniyene, was immediately deployed to the scene alongside the Area Commander, Metro, ACP Georgelyn Ufomadu.
Personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Security Service Department, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other emergency agencies also joined the operation.
The agencies commenced immediate search and rescue efforts to determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Building Had Been Sealed
According to preliminary findings by the police, the affected building had previously been marked and sealed by the Department of Development Control in Abuja.
The Command, however, said no victim had been confirmed as of the time its statement was issued.
Emergency responders remained at the scene, conducting a thorough search of the debris to establish whether anyone could be trapped underneath.
The police said investigations had also commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and establish its possible cause.
The Command added that further information on the extent of the damage and the outcome of the rescue operation would be made available as it becomes available.
Police Urge Residents to Stay Away
The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain calm and security-conscious while advising members of the public to avoid the affected area.
Residents were also asked to cooperate with emergency responders to allow the rescue operation to proceed without obstruction.
The Command further encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities or emergencies through its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The statement was signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on September 7, 2026.
