ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged that the ministry will pay the medical expenses of victims injured in the collapse of a shopping plaza in Garki on Wednesday night.

 

Wike made the commitment during a visit to the disaster site on Thursday alongside FCTA Permanent Secretary Olusade Adesola. At least two people were killed when the two-story Lagos Street building in Garki Village collapsed on Wednesday amid heavy rainfall.

 

Rescue agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, have pulled 35 survivors from the rubble. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

 

“It is quite unfortunate that we woke up this morning to hear this very disturbing news, “I am grateful to all rescue agencies, especially NEMA. It’s unfortunate that two persons are dead.” ” Wike told reporters.

 

He continued, “I will speak to the permanent secretary to make sure we pay the hospital bills of those who are rescued and that should be done immediately.“

 

Wike described the collapse as “unfortunate,” particularly given the loss of life. Demolition efforts were underway at the plaza as of Thursday afternoon.

 

The recent building collapse is expected to increase the scrutiny on the FCT’s building codes and inspection processes, further reinforcing Wike’s commitment, expressed when he assumed office as the Minister of the FTC, to tackle illegal construction.