By Daniel Tyokua
Victims of the building that collapsed in densely populated Garki area of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory are excited over the footing of their medical bills as directed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Some of those affected by the collapse, expressed happiness when government officials led by Noel Haruna, the acting Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) of the FCT Administration visited them at the weekend.
The two-story building located at Lagos Street, Garki Village collapsed on Wednesday, killing two persons with 37 others evacuated to different hospitals for treatment.
Recall that Wike, who visited the scene on Thursday directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration to settle all the medical bills of the victims, receiving treatment.
Responding to the gesture, the victims said on Saturday that they were well taken care of since the minister’s declaration that their medical bills would be paid by the government.
One of the victims, Mr Abdullahi Modibbo, who is receiving treatment at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, said he has not paid any amount following the minister’s declaration.
Modibbo thanked the minister for the support, which he described as “life saving”, adding that health workers were taking very good care of him.
“I was in my room on the first floor when the building collapsed on Wednesday night. I was trying to help myself when a boulder fell on my leg, causing a fracture.
“I am happy with the prompt response of government agencies who evacuated us and took us to the hospital for treatment, and now they have offered to pay all our bills. I am truly grateful,” he said.
The Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital, Mrs Aishatu Tenebe, said that eight victims were brought to the facility of which seven were treated and discharged.
