Police operatives and rescue workers are still battling to save lives as over 40 persons were trapped in a building collapse in an estate in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja Municipal Area Council of FCT.

The FCT police command hinted that no casualties have been recorded yet; sources said two persons were feared dead, while rescue workers are working hard to save trapped individuals.

Authorities in the police command revealed that five persons have been rescued so far.

According to the spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the collapse of a building situated in Vidaz Estate, within the Sabon Lugbe extension, FCT.

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“Our preliminary investigations reveal that the building was previously demolished by the FCT Authorities due to its location in an illegally acquired area. Regrettably, the structure was further compromised by scavengers who had been tampering with the remnants for scrap metal, ultimately leading to its secondary collapse.

“A total of five individuals were successfully rescued from the debris, and there were no reported fatalities.

“In light of this incident, we urge the public to respect the boundaries of demolished structures and construction sites, ensuring their safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.”

Police operatives have been deployed to the scene by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, to maintain law and order and also assist in rescue operations.