Abuja in Shock as Three-Storey Building Collapses Behind Kado Fish Market

Tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday, August 3, 2025, when a three-storey building under construction collapsed in Life Camp, Abuja, specifically behind the Kado Fish Market, triggering panic and a swift emergency response.

According to local sources and emergency responders, two persons have been rescued alive, while efforts are ongoing to locate others who may still be trapped under the rubble. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest possible structural defects or construction violations.

How the Incident Happened

Eyewitnesses say the collapse occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m., catching many in the area off guard. “We just heard a loud rumble like thunder,” said Usman Ibrahim, a food vendor in the area. “When we rushed out, we saw that the entire building had crumbled to the ground.”

Residents and passersby were the first to respond before the arrival of emergency services. Personnel from the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Fire Service quickly arrived at the scene to commence rescue operations.

Two Rescued, More Feared Trapped

So far, two construction workers who were believed to be staying on-site overnight have been pulled out alive. They were immediately transferred to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

However, there are unconfirmed reports that at least three other workers might have been inside the building at the time of the collapse. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, with heavy-duty equipment deployed to carefully move the debris.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure no one is left under the rubble,” said Mrs. Nkechi Nwosu, a senior FEMA official. “Time is critical in such cases, and we are racing against the clock.”

Construction Violations Suspected

Initial on-site assessments indicate that the collapsed building may have had questionable structural integrity. Multiple sources within the Life Camp Development Control Unit revealed that the building had no visible compliance signage, and its foundation may not have met engineering standards for a multi-storey structure.

This is not the first time Abuja has witnessed such an incident. Similar building collapses in Gwarinpa and Jahi districts in recent years have raised alarms about the increasing rate of unregulated construction in the nation’s capital.

Residents Express Anger and Fear

The collapse has sparked fresh outrage among residents and civil society groups. “How many more buildings must collapse before the government clamps down on illegal constructions?” questioned Aisha Danladi, a Life Camp resident and member of the Abuja Housing Watch.

Traders at the nearby Kado Fish Market also expressed fear about the structural integrity of buildings in the area. “We need the authorities to immediately inspect all surrounding buildings to prevent another tragedy,” said Chijioke Okafor, a trader whose shop is just 50 meters from the collapse site.

Calls for Government Action

Activists are now urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to take swift action by:

• Conducting structural audits of all ongoing construction projects in Life Camp and surrounding districts.

• Sanctioning developers and site engineers found to have violated building regulations.

• Establishing a transparent reporting platform for residents to flag suspicious buildings.

What’s Next?

As rescue efforts continue into the night, the priority remains to locate and save any other survivors who may be trapped. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and investigation teams have begun collecting debris samples for forensic analysis.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is expected to visit the site later today for an on-the-ground assessment and to meet with affected families.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call

This tragic collapse serves as yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations in Nigeria. As the city continues to grow, safety must never be compromised for speed or profit. The incident in Life Camp must mark a turning point—one that prioritizes human life and structural integrity above all else.