By Julius Peter
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the collapse of a building on Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, with emergency responders deployed to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.
The incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, according to the police command, which said there was no confirmed casualty as of the time of its initial assessment.
The Command, however, said efforts were ongoing to determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble following the collapse.
In a statement on the incident, the FCT Police Command said its personnel, alongside other relevant emergency agencies, were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving information about the building collapse.
The emergency response teams commenced search and rescue operations at the location, while efforts were also directed at securing the area and preventing residents and other members of the public from approaching the unstable structure.
The police said preliminary findings indicated that the building had previously been marked and sealed by the FCT Department of Development Control, although it did not immediately disclose when the structure was marked or the circumstances surrounding the sealing.
The revelation is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse.
The Command said investigations were already underway to establish the cause of the building collapse, adding that further details would be made available as the search and rescue operation progresses.
The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety and compliance with development regulations in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly in cases involving structures that have reportedly been identified by regulatory authorities for enforcement action.
Authorities have continued to urge residents and property owners to comply with approved building standards and regulations, while emergency agencies are expected to remain vigilant around sites where structures may pose risks to the public.
The police consequently appealed to residents, business owners and passers-by in the area to stay away from the scene and allow emergency responders to carry out their duties without obstruction.
The Command also urged members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and other emergency responders at the scene, stressing that unrestricted access to the affected area could hamper rescue efforts and expose individuals to further danger.
As of the latest information from the police, no casualty had been officially confirmed, while search and rescue operations continued to ascertain the full extent of the incident and determine whether any persons were trapped beneath the debris.
The police said the public would be updated as more information emerges from the ongoing operation and investigation.
