The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has coordinated an ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operation following the collapse of a three-storey building under construction in the Gudu District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday morning.
The agency received an alert at about 09:45hrs on May 16, 2026, and immediately activated a multi-agency emergency response involving key stakeholders, including the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
A NEMA response team from the Abuja Operations Office, led by the Head of Operations, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, alongside operatives from the AYA Emergency Response Bay (ERAB), was swiftly deployed to the scene to coordinate initial rescue efforts.
A reinforcement unit from NEMA Headquarters, led by the Director of Search and Rescue (DSAR), Air Commodore Bature Usman, also arrived at the site to provide additional operational support and supervision of the ongoing rescue mission.
As of the time of filing this report, search and rescue operations were still in progress. Authorities confirmed that 16 victims have so far been evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital, while four persons have been confirmed dead.
Emergency responders continue to comb the rubble as efforts intensify to locate and rescue any remaining trapped victims.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
