The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government (FG) to intensify its rescue efforts in the building collapse at Sabon-Lugbe area of Abuja over the weekend.
No fewer than 40 people were reportedly stuck beneath the collapsed building’s wreckage at the time of the incident, and about 7 people have been confirmed dead by the Police on Monday.
Reacting to the incident on Monday, Obi decried the alarming rate of building collapses in the country, and stressed the need for urgent action.
“The frequency of building collapse in the country has become very disturbing and worrisome and calls for national attention. The latest distressing reports of the building collapse in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, yesterday, which left about 40 persons trapped in the rubble, is just one of the many such incidents.
“I learned that residents and emergency workers were already on the ground since the incident occurred yesterday, helping with first response and rescue efforts. I urge the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe and complete rescue of all the affected victims,” he stated.
The former Anambra State Governor advised investigators to identify the root causes of the situation in order to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, and called for the review of building codes and regulations.
“Beyond the rescue efforts, the relevant agencies need to investigate extensively into the factors surrounding the building collapse, to forestall future occurrences.
“Specifically, we need to review and reinforce our building codes and regulations and ensure that there is strict enforcement of rules and regulations all over the country.”
Obi also stated that every professionals found wanting in the collapse of any building should be held accountable.
“There is need to arrest and prosecute all erring builders, engineers and supervisors whose negligence leads to building collapses.”
“My heart goes out to all our brothers and sisters who were trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building. I pray that every one of them is safely rescued and reunited back to their families,” he added.
