The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, has revoked the land allocation of the area where a two-storey building collapsed in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a joint press release signed by the Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye and the Spokesperson for Federal Housing Authority, Kenneth Chigelu, after a meeting between officials of both parties on Tuesday.

Last Thursday, an unfinished building collapsed due to infraction of building codes in Gwarimpa Estate, trapping 24 people, killing three, while 21 persons were rescued.

The minister, who regretted the loss of lives, commiserated with the families of the deceased and directed that a compensation plan be prepared for them.

He also reiterated that all those found culpable in the building collapse would face appropriate punishment commensurate with the crime committed.

The statement read, “The FCT Minister and the FHA Chairman both regretted the loss of lives and commiserated with the families of the deceased while directing that a compensation plan be prepared for them.

“The meeting resolved that the investigation by the technical team is also aimed at strengthening the internal working mechanism of both agencies and that all those found culpable in the building collapse will face appropriate punishment commensurate with the crime committed.

“The FCT Minister announced that in line with FCTA policy, the allocation of the collapsed building is revoked.”

Speaking further, Muhammad warned that a repeat of building collapse in the capital city must be avoided by all means adding that any contravention must go beyond stop-work notices. (The PUNCH)

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