Building Collapse: Wike visits site, says FCTA will foot medical bills of victims

• FCT Minister Wike pledges medical bill coverage for victims of Garki building collapse, expresses regret over casualties
• Wike directs prompt payment of hospital bills for 35 rescued victims, commends rescue efforts after two deaths

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the city administration will cover the medical bills of the Garki building collapse victims.

On Wednesday, around 11:50 p.m., the two-story shopping plaza collapsed.

Wike spoke during a visit to the site on Thursday.

The minister, who FCTA permanent secretary Olusade Adesola accompanied, said the collapse was unfortunate, especially given the deaths of two people.

Wike then directed Adesola to make arrangements to pay the 35 rescued victims’ medical bills.

It is quite unfortunate that we woke up this morning to hear this very disturbing news, he said.

I am grateful to all rescue agencies, especially NEMA. It’s unfortunate that two persons are dead.

I will speak to the permanent secretary to make sure we pay the hospital bills of those who are rescued and that should be done immediately.

The building was being demolished when this report was filed.

Many feared dead as multi-storey building collapses amidst heavy downpour in Abuja

An unspecified number of individuals are feared to have lost their lives, and numerous others are trapped following the collapse of a multi-storey building during heavy rainfall on Wednesday night, August 23.

The incident occurred on Lagos Street within the Garki village area of Garki II district in Abuja.

Reportedly, the building in question had accommodated multiple apartments, with shops occupying the ground floor.

In the meantime, Ikharo Attah, a former aide to the previous Minister of the FCT, has indicated that thirty-seven people have been successfully rescued and taken to hospitals, while others remain trapped. Attah verified that a rescue team and other first responders were present around 2 am, engaged in ongoing efforts to rescue those affected by the collapse.