Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the arrest of the owner of the Jikwoyi building, which collapsed last Friday, and the immediate revocation of the land.
Six persons were reported injured after a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Jikwoyi, within the Abuja municipal area council (AMAC) of the FCT.
Conducting an on-the-spot assessment at the site on Tuesday, Wike said the structure was erected without approval from the FCT department of development control.
He noted that the collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored “stop-work” notices issued by the department of development control.
“Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure,” Wike said.
The minister said no casualties were recorded in the incident, adding that the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
He noted that the FCT administration would take over the land for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The minister further stressed that the local community will be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.
Wike emphasised the need for strict compliance with building regulations, noting that obtaining approval allows authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of appropriate materials.
He directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval to prevent future incidents.
“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is a clear violation, the law must take its course,” he said.
