By Sabiu Abdullahi
A three-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, trapping a 27-year-old man, Aliyu Salisu, beneath the rubble for several hours.
He was rescued alive in the early hours of Sunday following an extensive emergency operation.
Salisu, who is a citizen of Niger Republic, remained under the debris for nearly 10 hours before rescue teams successfully pulled him out at around 4:00 a.m., according to a statement from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the details of the rescue on Sunday. “The rescue teams worked tirelessly to extricate Aliyu Salisu from the rubble, and their efforts paid off at about 4am on Sunday,” she said.
The rescue operation began shortly after a distress call was received at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Saturday.
A team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Lifecamp swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and initiated emergency procedures alongside other response agencies.
Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, oversaw the operation and praised the collaborative effort.
“We commend the swift response of the various agencies and volunteers who worked together to rescue Aliyu,” he stated.
Salisu was taken to Cedar Crest Hospital in the Gudu area for medical treatment. He is reportedly recovering well.
The police have urged residents to remain alert and take immediate action when emergencies occur.
“We urge residents to be proactive in reporting emergencies,” Commissioner Adewale said.
“Our control room lines are active round-the-clock, and we are committed to responding swiftly to distress calls.”
At the time of this report, authorities have yet to disclose what led to the building’s collapse.
An investigation is expected to follow.