The Acting President of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osinbajo has paid a visit to the site of a collapsed building in Jabi/Utako area of Abuja.
Osinbajo who was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Mohammed Musa Bello and other government officials, was pained by the incident, especially the death of one of the 18 people trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building.
The Acting President Osinbajo and other government officials were at the scene at about 6-30pm Friday evening, and was immediately briefed by the officials of the National Emergency Agency on ground at the scene.
Though rescue work was still ongoing when Osinbajo arrived the scene, and about six people rescued with one death recorded as at Friday night, he ordered them to do everything and use available equipment to rescue everyone that are trapped in the rubble.
While speaking to Press, the Acting President described the incident as an unfortunate incident and assured that all the relevant public agencies are on the ground to ensure rescue operations are effectively carried out. He said:
“First, I want to say the collapse of this building is a very unfortunate incident. As you know, it was a building under construction. I think that the most important thing at the moment is that we have all of the relief, safety & emergency management agencies all here.”
“As you can see (pointing to rescue workers) all of the emergency equipment, help movers and the equipment that is required, are here. There is enough for us to expect that they should at least be able to rescue anyone who may still be trapped in this building.”
“NEMA is here, the FCT authorities are here, the Hon. Minister himself is here, the executive government is here. So, the whole process of ensuring that those who may be trapped under this collapsed building are rescued is well underway.” He said.