Abuja building collapse claims at least 40 lives

In a harrowing incident on Saturday, a building under construction in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja collapsed, leaving at least 40 people feared dead and dozens more trapped under the rubble.

The incident, which occurred around 5:00 p.m., prompted a massive emergency response as teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, and other rescue organizations arrived at the scene to search for survivors.

This tragedy marks the second building collapse in Abuja in less than two weeks, following a recent collapse of a two-story building in the Kubwa area, which raised concerns over the increasing frequency of these disasters.

As first responders worked tirelessly to save lives, Ibrahim Farinloye, a NEMA official, stated that the operation faced several challenges due to the unstable debris and limited access points.

“Our teams are doing all they can, but the structure’s instability is making the rescue effort very complex,” he noted. Specialized equipment and sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid in locating survivors, but the unstable debris and risk of further collapse have created substantial delays.

Farinloye further emphasized that time was of the essence in locating survivors, saying, “The first 48 hours are critical in any rescue mission of this kind. Our goal is to find as many survivors as possible before it’s too late.”]

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Structural engineers and construction experts have raised urgent concerns over Nigeria’s regulatory lapses, pointing out that many collapses stem from substandard building materials, rushed construction timelines, and inadequate oversight.

Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, a structural engineer, stressed that repeated collapses in the FCT and across Nigeria highlight systemic failures within the construction industry. “We’re witnessing tragedies that could have been avoided. Poor material quality and a lack of strict regulatory oversight are turning construction sites into death traps,” Ojukwu stated.

According to Dr. Ojukwu, the Sabon Lugbe building collapse might have been preventable if proper checks were in place.

“Building codes and regulations are often either disregarded or poorly enforced. This incident should prompt authorities to prioritize reform and increase inspections, especially as Abuja is rapidly developing,” he argued.

This disaster follows closely on the heels of another collapse in Kubwa, sparking fears about Abuja’s rising construction risks. Building safety expert Dr. Aisha Ahmed linked these incidents to rapid urban expansion in Abuja, where demand for housing has led to an uptick in construction projects that sometimes bypass essential safety standards.

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“This is the second incident in 12 days, which is deeply alarming. Developers are not adhering to construction safety regulations, putting countless lives in danger,” Dr. Ahmed explained.

Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the need for regulatory reforms, urging the government to establish more rigorous inspection protocols and enforce penalties for contractors who flout safety regulations.

“The government needs to act decisively. We need stricter inspections, regular audits of construction sites, and a stronger framework for holding those accountable for negligence,” she added.

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The Sabon Lugbe collapse has reignited calls for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s construction sector, as public outcry grows over the lack of accountability.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has called for an investigation into the incident, pledging that those responsible will face justice. “We cannot allow these avoidable tragedies to continue. There must be consequences for negligence and substandard practices,” Wike asserted.

With a rise in construction projects to meet Abuja’s housing demand, experts argue that meaningful reforms are critical to prevent further loss of life.

By enforcing stricter building regulations, implementing frequent inspections, and mandating rigorous safety checks, Nigeria could address the root causes of these recurring tragedies and provide safer living conditions for its citizens.

As Abuja grieves the lives lost in Sabon Lugbe, calls for action echo across the city, emphasizing that stricter regulation, quality oversight, and accountability are essential to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.