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 department’s director, reported to the News Agency of Nigeria that two other individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre. He explained that the presence of over 500 scavengers at the site, who were dismantling and collecting iron rods, led to the collapse of remaining parts of the demolished structure.
Mohammed clarified that rescue operations have concluded and refuted claims circulating in certain media outlets about a multi-storey building collapse trapping over 40 people. He noted that the building in question was an uncompleted structure that had been demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control on Thursday.
“The scavengers rushed to the site to salvage iron rods when the remaining slab gave way. No one was residing in the building, contrary to some reports,” he stated. He also mentioned that the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the Abuja area confirmed the loss of five members in the incident.
Mohammed expressed his frustration over the ongoing scavenging activities, emphasizing that some individuals continue to search for iron rods despite the tragedy. “As we speak, some are still scavenging at the site. They have been instructed to leave but are ignoring the warnings. By Monday, the Development Control will ensure that any remaining structures are completely demolished,” he said.
A police officer at the scene corroborated that the scavengers entered the site after the demolition was completed, labeling reports of a multi-storey building collapse as false.
Eyewitness Mr. Aliyu Musa recounted that the scavengers had been warned not to enter the building, but they ignored the advice. “I knew one of the victims; we warned him, but he didn’t listen. He climbed the slab to hit the iron, and it suddenly collapsed, leading to his death,” he said.
