Wike ordered that the facility’s residents be relocated during an on-the-spot evaluation of the collapsed building on Thursday.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has commanded the immediate arrest of the owner of the two-story structure that collapsed in Lagos Crescent, a neighbourhood in Abuja’s Garki 2 district.
Wike ordered that the facility’s residents be relocated during an on-the-spot evaluation of the collapsed building on Thursday.
He stated, “It is not as if anyone has any personal grudges, but for me, it is up to us to act morally. I don’t know why it has taken the FCTA so long to relocate them, so we’ll take quick action to make sure that happens. After that, the government must plan out this location before relocating the locals.
“When the government orders a building plan to be taken, it’s not so that anyone will suffer but rather so that everyone will be protected. Cities are designed to prevent situations like these. Think of unapproved structures. I’ll ask that the owner of this property be located and detained. It is really crucial.
It goes without saying that the government will take control of the land and ensure that no more construction takes place there. I ask that everyone in this room cooperate with the administration for the good of everyone. Nobody has come here to express their preference for A or B. I am aware that some government actions may not always be popular, but in the long run, they are in the best interests of the populace, he remarked.
It’s terrible that we woke up this morning to the very frightening news of this building collapse, but Wike praised the ongoing rescue efforts. It is not what we had in mind. Let me express my gratitude to the organisations, in particular NEMA and FEMA, who helped us save at least 37 lives. The fact that we lost two lives is regrettable.
“Secondly, these are the things that we have been saying; thus, when the government says it will take actions in locations, we believe there are illegal projects or buildings that don’t adhere to the standard norms.
“Now that we are all together, none of us is glad that we are here because these are the same things that we are attempting to prevent. Once more, I’m sorry for those who passed away. The government will pay for everyone’s medical expenses. The rescue operations will also have our help, and we’ll make sure they reach the last level and free everyone who is still under the rubble, the official continued.
Rescue efforts are still going on even though a number of people have reportedly died and several more are seeking medical attention in a hospital. According to reports, some of the patients have deadly wounds.
