Tragedy struck in the early hours of Thursday as a building collapsed in the Jegeda Oluloyo area of Ona Ara Local Government Area in Oyo State.
Reports indicate that at least ten people have lost their lives, while seven others have sustained injuries.
The disaster occurred around 2 a.m., shocking the local community.
Rescue Operations Underway
A statement from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the casualties.
The agency reported that they received a distressed call at approximately 2 a.m. regarding the collapse.
Emergency responders quickly mobilized to the scene to conduct rescue operations.
According to the statement, “Ten persons have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed building, while seven persons were rescued alive. Rescue operation is still ongoing.”
The atmosphere in the area is tense as families await news of their loved ones trapped beneath the rubble.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents are grappling with the shock of the incident.
Many were awakened by the loud sound of the collapsing structure.
“I heard a loud noise that woke me up. I rushed outside to see what happened,” said a resident who lives nearby.
“When I got here, I saw people crying and others trying to help those trapped. It was chaos.”
Another witness, Tunde Adesanya, shared his thoughts on the incident.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this happen in our community. We must do better in ensuring the safety of our buildings.”
Historical Context of Building Collapses
Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially in densely populated urban areas like Ibadan.
Many structures are poorly constructed due to inadequate regulatory oversight and enforcement.
The construction industry in Nigeria often struggles with corruption and lack of adherence to building codes.
This raises concerns about the safety of many buildings across the country.
In recent years, several similar incidents have resulted in loss of life and injuries, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Government Response and Investigations
As news of the collapse spread, officials in Oyo State began responding.
Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged to investigate the cause of the disaster and ensure accountability.
“Every life lost is a tragedy, and we must find out how this happened,” he stated in a press conference.
He urged residents to report any buildings they suspect to be unsafe.
“The safety of our citizens is our priority, and we must take action to prevent this from happening again,” he added.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As of the latest reports, rescue operations are still in progress.
Emergency workers continue to search for any survivors trapped in the debris.
Local volunteers have also joined the efforts, providing assistance to the rescue teams.
“We are all one community, and we must help each other in times of crisis,” said a volunteer, Amina Bello.
“This is a time to come together and support those who have been affected.”
Community Support for Victims’ Families
In the aftermath of the collapse, community members are rallying to support the victims’ families.
Local leaders are organizing efforts to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those affected.
“We are doing our best to ensure that families who have lost loved ones receive the support they need,” said community leader Moses Olatunde.
“Everyone is coming together to help in any way we can.”
The Importance of Building Regulations
The disaster highlights the urgent need for improved building regulations in Nigeria.
Experts have long advocated for stricter enforcement of construction standards to prevent such tragedies.
