NEMA responds as two‑storey building collapses on 15 workers in Sokoto

Crime Diary

SOKOTO, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the successful rescue of 15 construction workers following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction in Sokoto State.

The incident on Wednesday occurred at Unguwar Rogo along Bauchi Road in Sokoto, prompting an immediate emergency response by NEMA and other agencies.

According to the agency, a distress call was received at about 2:23 p.m., leading to the rapid deployment of its Search and Rescue Team by the Head of Operations.

On arrival, the team joined other emergency responders in a coordinated multi-agency operation to search for trapped victims, evacuate casualties where necessary and secure the area against further risks.

The operation involved the Federal Fire Service, Sokoto State Fire Service, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Sokoto State Urban Planning and Development Authority, the State Association of Civil Engineers, members of the media and residents of the host community.

Following an assessment of the scene, NEMA said 15 construction workers were on site when the building collapsed.

The agency, however, confirmed that none of the workers was trapped or injured, and no casualty was recorded.

NEMA said the successful operation highlighted the importance of effective collaboration among emergency response agencies and other stakeholders in protecting lives and minimising the impact of disasters.

The agency added that relevant authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the building collapse.