The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has recovered the bodies of seven iron scavengers who died at the site of a demolished building in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja. Two other individuals are receiving medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, according to FEMD Director Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The tragedy unfolded when more than 500 scavengers descended upon the site, dismantling iron rods from the debris of an uncompleted structure previously demolished by the FCT Department of Development Control. This activity caused the remaining structure to collapse on those present.
Mohammed clarified that contrary to rumors, this was not a multi-storey building collapse with over 40 people trapped. “The building had been legally demolished as it was among several unauthorized constructions,” he said. “Nobody was living there, and claims of occupants being trapped are false.
He noted that despite the recent deaths, some scavengers continued to remove iron rods from the site. “They have been told to leave, but they refuse. The Development Control team will ensure these sites are fully secured and remaining structures are cleared by Monday,” Mohammed stated.
A police officer present confirmed that scavengers invaded the site after the demolition was completed. Eyewitness Aliyu Musa shared that warnings were issued to the scavengers, but they ignored them, with one individual reportedly dying while attempting to extract iron from the debris.
The FEMD has announced that all necessary steps are underway to prevent further incidents at the location.
