Two people have died, six others sustained injuries, and 14 individuals have been rescued following the collapse of a two-story building under construction at Oriwu Estate, Ikota, in Ajah, Lagos State. The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 4:00 PM, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have been at the scene carrying out search and rescue efforts. Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed the latest casualty figures in a statement on Wednesday night.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received distress calls through the emergency toll-free lines at approximately 2:25 PM. In response, emergency teams from LASEMA’s Lekki and Cappa bases were immediately deployed to the site.
“So far, two adult males have been extricated from the rubble of the collapsed building,” he stated. “Six seriously injured individuals were rescued and given immediate medical care by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit (LRU) Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment.”
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse, but investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to the site to maintain order and assist with rescue efforts.
“A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command remain on the ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation,” Hundeyin stated.
Recurring Building Collapses in Lagos
Building collapses have become a serious issue in Lagos State, with multiple incidents recorded over the years. Many of these disasters have been attributed to poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials, and weak regulatory enforcement.
One of the most tragic cases in recent memory occurred in November 2021, when a high-rise building under construction on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, collapsed, killing over 40 people, including the building developer. That incident sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations in the construction industry.
In 2023, another building collapsed in the Mushin area, leaving several people injured and raising further concerns about safety in the sector. Experts have repeatedly warned that unless developers adhere strictly to building codes and regulations, such tragedies will continue.
Authorities Pledge Investigations and Accountability
Following the latest collapse, LASEMA officials have assured the public that investigations will be carried out to determine the cause of the disaster and hold those responsible accountable. The Lagos State government has previously introduced measures to address the frequent cases of building collapse, including stricter oversight on construction projects and penalties for developers who fail to comply with safety regulations.
However, despite these efforts, enforcement remains a challenge, with reports of illegal buildings and non-compliance with structural standards persisting across the state. Experts have called for more proactive monitoring, increased penalties, and better urban planning to curb the menace.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation as rescuers worked tirelessly to pull victims from the debris. “It was terrifying,” said a local resident who witnessed the collapse. “We heard a loud crash, and before we knew it, dust filled the air. People were screaming and running for safety.”
Emergency workers, alongside residents and volunteers, joined hands in the rescue operation before specialized teams arrived.
As of Thursday morning, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more people being trapped under the rubble, and search efforts are expected to continue until the site is cleared.
Government’s Response and Public Concern
Lagos State officials have reiterated their commitment to preventing further building collapses. In the past, the state government has sealed off multiple buildings that failed integrity tests and has taken action against developers violating safety standards. However, residents and stakeholders argue that more needs to be done to prevent such incidents rather than responding only after tragedies occur.
As the search and rescue operations continue, affected families and the general public are hoping for accountability and meaningful reforms in the construction industry to ensure such disasters become a thing of the past.
