JUST-IN: Rescue Operation Underway as Building Collapses in Wuse Zone 4

A building has collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, barely hours after the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the structure and directed occupants to vacate the premises.

The building reportedly collapsed at about 8pm on Monday, prompting an emergency response as rescue teams raced to the scene to determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble.

Men of the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders were deployed to the site and were working to gain access to the debris and evacuate any possible victims.

At least three ambulances were also stationed at the scene as emergency personnel continued rescue and evacuation efforts.

Details surrounding the immediate cause of the collapse remained unclear as of press time.

The incident, however, has renewed concerns over the safety of ageing, distressed and potentially unsafe buildings within Abuja, particularly structures that have previously attracted the attention of regulatory authorities.

The fact that the building collapsed only hours after it was sealed by the FCTA Development Control Department is also expected to raise questions about the condition of the structure and the circumstances surrounding the evacuation order.

Rescue operations were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report, while authorities had yet to provide details on possible casualties or confirm the cause of the collapse.