By Damilare Adeleye

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has said it rescued two persons from a building that collapsed in Abuja.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, the acting Director-General of the department, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.

She confirmed that the incident happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

Wenegieme explained that the building collapsed at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate of Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu District, Abuja.

She said FEMD activated the National Emergency Management Agency and FCT Fire Service, immediately it received a distress call.

The acting D-G further explained that the collapsed building was a duplex under construction.

Meanwhile, she was accompanied by the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima.

She added that the construction workers ran out of the building as soon as they saw signs of collapse.

“However, two persons in the detached bungalow behind the building were trapped by the rubbles from the collapsed building.

“They trapped workers were rescued by the FEMD Search and Rescue Team. They cut through the window protectors and pulled them out,” she said.

Furthermore, the acting D-G appealed to developers and individuals to adhere to building codes. She also urged them carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before renovations.

Also, she underscored the importance of engaging professionals. She, as well, stressed the provision of protective wears to ensure safety of workers on site.

Wenegieme appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and the workers on site.