A tragic building collapse in Ibadan has left at least ten people dead and seven others injured.
The disaster struck in the early hours of Thursday morning, around 2 a.m., in the Jegeda Oluloyo area of Ona Ara Local Government Area.
Details of the Collapse
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency reported receiving a distressed call about the collapse.
In a statement released on Thursday, they confirmed that ten bodies were recovered from the rubble, while seven individuals were rescued alive.
The agency continues to carry out rescue operations to search for any additional victims.
“The Oyo State Fire Services Agency received a distressed call at around 2 a.m. this morning in the Jegede Olunloyo area, Ibadan,” the statement read.
“Ten persons have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed building, while seven persons were rescued alive. Rescue operation is still ongoing.”
Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Rescue workers, including the police and volunteers, joined forces to search for trapped individuals.
The site of the collapse has become a focal point for the community, as worried family members gathered to inquire about their loved ones.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the building fell, sending debris flying and panicking residents in the area.
One local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the chaotic scene.
“I woke up to a loud sound and ran outside. I saw people shouting and crying. It was terrible,” he said.
A Community in Shock
The incident has left the Jegeda Oluloyo community in shock.
Many residents are grappling with the loss of their neighbors and friends.
Local leaders have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families affected,” said a community leader.
The loss of life has also raised concerns about building safety standards in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.
Safety Concerns in Oyo State
Building collapses have become a worrying trend in Nigeria, often attributed to poor construction practices and the use of substandard materials.
Authorities in Oyo State are now under pressure to investigate the cause of this latest disaster.
In recent years, the government has emphasized the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of buildings.
Unfortunately, enforcement has often been lacking, leading to tragic outcomes like this one.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Oyo State has witnessed such tragedies.
In 2021, a similar incident in Ibadan resulted in multiple fatalities, prompting public outcry and calls for change.
Residents are now calling on the state government to take decisive action to prevent future occurrences.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.
He has promised that the state government will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the building collapse.
“I am deeply saddened by this incident. We will do everything possible to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
Makinde’s administration has previously launched initiatives aimed at improving building standards across the state.
However, many citizens remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures.
Community Support for Victims’ Families
