Tragedy Strikes as Seven Scavengers Die at Demolition Site in Sabon Lugbe
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reported the recovery of seven bodies of iron scavengers at the site of a demolished building in Sabon Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, the director of the department, shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, noting that two additional victims are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre.
The incident occurred when over 500 scavengers invaded the site to collect iron rods, causing a section of the remaining structure to collapse on them. Mohammed clarified that rescue operations have been completed and refuted claims from some media outlets that a multi-storey building had collapsed, trapping over 40 people underneath the rubble. He explained that the demolished structure was among several illegally constructed buildings taken down by the FCT Department of Development Control earlier in the week.
“The scavengers rushed to the site to salvage iron rods when part of the already compromised structure gave way,” Mohammed stated. He emphasized that no one was living in the building at the time of the incident, countering various reports.
Mohammed expressed disappointment over the scavengers’ actions, as some continued to search for materials despite the tragic event. “Even now, some are still on-site, ignoring warnings to leave. We will ensure they vacate the area, and by Monday, the Development Control team will return to demolish any remaining structures,” he added.
A police officer present at the scene confirmed that the scavengers had entered the site after the demolition had been completed, calling the reports of a multi-storey collapse misleading.
Eyewitness Aliyu Musa recounted that the scavengers had been warned against entering the site. “I know one of the deceased; we cautioned him, but he ignored us. He started removing iron when the slab fell, leading to his death,” he said.
