Many Trapped As Abuja Building Collapses

A former hotel turned residential apartment building in Abuja, located beside the Cupid Hotel on Cupid Road (Sultan Dasuki Way) in Kubwa, partially collapsed early Saturday morning, trapping several residents under the debris.

The building, which was once the Al-Hilal Hotel and later served as a hospital before becoming a residential space, experienced the incident around 6:30 am.

Emergency responders and security personnel arrived promptly, but rescue operations were hampered due to the lack of necessary equipment.

As of 8:45 am, cranes required to move the heavy rubble had not arrived, delaying efforts to reach those still trapped.

Two individuals were rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, while some residents managed to escape on their own.

An escapee reported sensing danger upon hearing cracking sounds around 7 am and promptly exited the building.

This building collapse follows the tragic collapse of Saints Academy, a secondary school in Jos, where students were writing their third term examinations. The incident in Jos resulted in the loss of 22 lives.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State expressed deep sympathy for the families affected by the Jos school collapse.

He commended the search and rescue efforts, directed relevant agencies to support the survivors, and emphasized the importance of Executive Order 003 to prevent such disasters and ensure compliance with building regulations.

Governor Mutfwang extended his condolences, praying for comfort and strength for the grieving families and community.