The Federal Capital Territory Department of Development Control has refuted a report in some media platforms that a multi-storey building collapsed in Sabon Lugbe on Saturday with more than 40 trapped under the rubble.
The Director of the department, Mukhtar Galadima, told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday that the report was “simply propaganda”.
Galadima explained that the building in question was part of the illegally erected uncompleted buildings by land grabbers that were currently being demolished in the area.
He said that the building was demolished on Thursday, adding that the site attracted a mass influx of more than 500 scavengers, pulling down and carting away the remains of iron rods.
According to him, the activities of the scavengers triggered the remains of a demolished slab of the building to fall on them.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the department had on October 17, begun the demolition of illegal buildings on lands that were illegally acquired by land grabbers in Sabon Lugbe.
A total of 50 duplexes and bungalows were being demolished to ensure total recovery of the land.
Galadima, who led the exercise, had explained that the structures were illegally erected by land grabbers without approval of appropriate authorities.
He explained that the illegal construction in the southwest area of Sabon Lugbe was part of Phase 5 District of the Federal Capital City (FCC).
He said that the department had warned that it would bounce on land grabbers in the area and advised people against buying any property without due diligence to ensure its legality.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who ordered the demolition, expressed dismay that the investors moved into the site and commenced development without relevant approvals.
The minister insisted that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said a total of five people were successfully rescued from the debris, adding that there were no reported fatalities.
“In light of this incident, we urge the public to respect the boundaries of demolished structures and construction sites, to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Adeh said in the statement.
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