Residents raise concerns as 5 die in Abuja building collapse

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the increasing cases of building collapses in the nation’s capital, calling on authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of building regulations to avert further disasters. The concerns followed Saturday’s collapse of a three-storey building under construction at Durumi 3, near the Gudu Market area […]

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the increasing cases of building collapses in the nation’s capital, calling on authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of building regulations to avert further disasters.

The concerns followed Saturday’s collapse of a three-storey building under construction at Durumi 3, near the Gudu Market area of the FCT.

Abuja Metro reports that at least five persons were confirmed dead, while 12 others were rescued alive.

The structure collapsed at about 3.30am on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Most of the victims trapped beneath the rubble were said to be labourers working on the three-storey building.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Abuja.

“At least five persons have been confirmed dead, while 10 others were rescued alive after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Durumi 3 area near Gudu Market, Abuja, on Saturday morning.

“Rescue operations are still ongoing as emergency responders continue efforts to evacuate more victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble at the construction site,” the statement said.

Providing an update in a statement issued yesterday, the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, said search and rescue operations at the site had been concluded.

“The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has called off search operations for possible victims trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed three-storey structure behind Gudu Market.

“The Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, announced the end of the rescue operation.

“According to him, after reaching ground zero, no additional victims were found beneath the rubble.

“Rescue efforts at the scene commenced at 7am today, while the operation was called off at 8.30am.

“Engr Abdulrahman commended Julius Berger Nigeria and Zeberced for their contributions to the rescue efforts.

“The Secretary of the Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr Fasawe; the National Emergency Management Agency; Nigerian Army; FCT Police Command; FCT Fire Service; Federal Fire Service; Federal Road Safety Corps and other stakeholders participated in the rescue operation,” the statement added.

On April 7, 2026, Abuja Metro reported that six persons were injured when a storey building under construction collapsed in the Jikwoyi area of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT.

The incident, which occurred around 11am, involved 17 workers who were on site at the time of the collapse.

Following the incident, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced the immediate seizure of the plot of land where the multi-storey hotel building collapsed.

In a warning to developers, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the owner would be arrested and prosecuted for building without legal authorisation.

According to the minister, the collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored “stop-work” notices issued by the Department of Development Control.

Abuja Metro reports that building collapse incidents have become recurrent across parts of the Federal Capital Territory within the last two years, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.

Some residents who spoke with our correspondent yesterday said the recurring incidents had heightened fears among occupants of residential and commercial buildings, especially in rapidly developing districts of the city.

According to available records, several cases of building collapse were reported in areas such as Guzape, Kubwa, Garki II, Prince and Princess Estate, Area 10 and Sabon Lugbe between 2024 and 2025.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Sabon Lugbe in October 2024, where a building collapse reportedly claimed at least seven lives, while emergency officials rescued several others from the rubble.

A resident of Kubwa, Mr Ibrahim Musa, said many developers often ignore approved building standards in a bid to cut costs.

“People are afraid because these incidents are becoming too frequent. Some buildings are constructed with substandard materials, while some developers add extra floors without proper structural checks,” he said.

Another resident, Mrs Esther John of Lugbe, urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to intensify routine inspections of buildings under construction.

“There should be regular monitoring of construction sites. Some buildings develop visible cracks shortly after completion, yet people still move into them because there is no proper enforcement,” she said.

A civil engineer, Engr David Yakubu, blamed some of the incidents on poor supervision, non-compliance with approved designs and the engagement of unqualified artisans.

According to him, rapid urban expansion in Abuja has increased pressure on authorities responsible for development control.

“Many developers want to maximise profit and sometimes alter approved plans. Without strict supervision and sanctions, these problems will continue,” he said.

He also stressed the need for professionals to be fully involved in all stages of construction projects to ensure structural integrity.

Residents further appealed to the Department of Development Control and other relevant agencies to clamp down on illegal structures and ensure strict adherence to building codes.

They also called for stronger collaboration between regulatory bodies, professional associations and emergency agencies to reduce risks associated with structural failures.