Rescue Operation Launched After Three-Storey Building Collapses in Abuja’s Lifecamp Area.
A serious structural collapse occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the Lifecamp district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, when a three-storey building crumbled unexpectedly. The incident triggered an immediate and multi-agency emergency response, as authorities raced against time to save anyone who might have been trapped beneath the debris.
Upon receiving an emergency call at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Lifecamp Division sprang into action, quickly assembling a coordinated rescue operation. The area surrounding the collapsed structure was swiftly secured to prevent further injuries and to facilitate unhindered access for rescue workers.
Multiple emergency response teams converged on the scene to assist in the life-saving mission. These included personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Development Control Department, as well as two private construction firms—Zeberced Construction Company and Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. Their efforts were further supported by law enforcement agencies and security operatives who provided additional manpower and ensured the area was properly cordoned off to maintain safety and order.
Three-Storey building Collapses, Victim Identified
In a statement released the following day, Sunday, August 3, the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, confirmed the successful rescue of a single victim from the wreckage. According to the statement, the individual identified as 27-year-old Aliyu Salisu, a citizen of Niger Republic, had been trapped under the debris for nearly ten hours before rescuers managed to reach him around 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Once pulled from the rubble, Salisu was immediately transported to Cedar Crest Hospital in the Gudu district of Abuja, where he was placed under intensive medical supervision. Reports indicate that he is responding positively to treatment and is currently in stable condition.
When did the Three-Storey building Collapse?
“The FCT Police Command received a distress alert regarding the structural collapse at about 6:15 p.m. on August 2, 2025,” the statement read. “After several hours of non-stop search and rescue efforts, our teams successfully located and rescued Mr. Aliyu Salisu at approximately 4:00 a.m. on August 3. He was the only person found trapped within the collapsed structure and has since been admitted to Cedar Crest Hospital for thorough medical assessment and care.”
Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, was physically present at the site throughout the night, overseeing the operation. He expressed his appreciation for the swift and coordinated response demonstrated by the rescue teams, praising NEMA, FCTA Development Control, and the construction firms involved. He also acknowledged the role of other security commanders and community members who assisted in the operation.
“This rescue operation was a testament to effective collaboration between emergency response units, government agencies, private sector partners, and the local community,” CP Adewale stated. “The professionalism, speed, and dedication displayed were exemplary.”
The police command has urged residents of the FCT to stay alert and to immediately report any structural weaknesses, unusual activities, or emergencies to authorities. Citizens can reach the Command’s Control Room through the following emergency lines: 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 1938.
Authorities have not yet provided detailed information on the cause of the collapse, and investigations are expected to follow to determine whether negligence, structural failure, or environmental factors played a role. The incident has renewed calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of building codes across the FCT to prevent future tragedies.
