Life Camp Building Collapse: Rescued Victim Loses Leg, in Stable Condition

By Chinedu Echianu

Aliyu, the 27-year-old security guard rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in the Life Camp area of Abuja, has undergone leg amputation following injuries sustained in the incident.

According to the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) through a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the victim’s leg was severely mangled and had to be amputated. He is currently reported to be in stable condition at Cedar Crest Hospital, Apo.

The three-storey building, still under construction, collapsed on Saturday evening along Sarah Ezekwe Street near Kado Fish Market. The structure housed three blocks of residential flats, one of which gave way with two people reportedly inside at the time. While one person managed to escape unhurt, Aliyu was trapped under the debris.

The incident was reported to authorities at 7:09 p.m. by the Director of Security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). A combined rescue operation led by FEMD, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal and FCT Fire Services, the FCT Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Julius Berger Construction Company, and the Joint Task Force, resulted in Aliyu’s rescue at 4:05 a.m. after an intensive eight-hour effort.

Speaking after the incident, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, emphasized the need for professionalism and adherence to safety standards in the building sector, particularly during the rainy season.

“Builders must thoroughly assess their foundations and correct any anomalies promptly. The use of substandard and fake materials must stop—it’s a major cause of collapses like this,” Engr. Mohammed stated.

He expressed gratitude to FEMD’s emergency response partners, especially the construction companies, for their swift and coordinated intervention.