FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate arrest of the landlord of the two-storey building that collapsed in Lagos Crescent, Garki 2 of Abuja.
The minister gave the order after inspecting the collapsed building with officers of Development Control.
Two persons died in the building that collapsed on Wednesday night while 37 persons were removed from the rubble.
Some of the rescued persons were taken to hospital for medical attention by emergency agency.
He applauded the ongoing rescue efforts while describing the incident as unfortunate.
“These are the things we have been saying, nobody knows whose turn it will be, therefore when government says it will take actions in areas we believe there are illegal developments or buildings that don’t comply with the standard codes. It is not as if anybody has any personal vendetta but for me it is for us to do the right thing.
“When government says take building plan, it is not to suffer anybody but to make sure that everyone is protected. Cities are planned to forestall this kind of occurrences. Imagine buildings without approval. I will ask that we must identify and arrest the owner of this property. It is very important. Government will of course take over this area and make sure no further development is carried out here.
“I want all the stakeholders here to please work with government in the interest of everybody. No one has come here to say I like A, I don’t like B. I know sometimes government decisions may not be too comfortable with the people, but at the long run it is in the interest of the people. Now we are all gathered here and none of us is happy we are here, these are the things we are trying to forestall,” Wike said.
He also directed the FCT Permanent Secretary Olusade Adesola to immediately ensure that funds are raised to pay the hospital bills of those who were rescued.
credit: Thisday