3 Die, 12 Rescued As 3-storey Building Collapses In Ogun

At least three people, including a baby, were yesterday exhumed dead from the rubble of a three-storey building which collapsed in Ajuwon area of Ogun State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the building located on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in one of the Lagos-Ogun suburb communities, caved in on Monday during a torrential rainfall and thunderstorm, trapping the occupants.

As the rescued persons were taken to the hospital for treatment, the Lagos State government deployed emergency responders and heavy equipment to support the rescue and recovery operations.

Residents of the streets told LEADERSHIP that the building, which had been defective for a long time before its collapse on Monday, comprised two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors.

A resident who gave her name as Madam Kemi Olawale said, “The building has been shaking for a long time, but people were still living in the house because the landlord had collected money from the tenants, but refused to use the money to repair the house.

“The only thing that pained me was that one man, an elderly tenant, had gotten an apartment somewhere and started parking his things out of the house before the rain started, and he waited for the rain to subside. It was while waiting that the house collapsed and killed him,” he said.

Confirming the tragic incident, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the intervention from Lagos state followed a request for assistance from the Ogun State government.

He explained that the Lagos State government approved the deployment in line with efforts to strengthen inter-state emergency response and cooperation.

The LASEMA boss, who was personally on the ground to supervise the rescue operations, said the rescue team, accompanied by specialised heavy-duty recovery equipment, on Tuesday joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service and other emergency responders at the scene of the collapsed building.

He said,” Casualty update as of 11:42 a.m.: 12 adults rescued alive, one adult female recovered dead, one baby girl recovered dead, and one elderly man, aged 75, recovered dead.

“This action reflects the Lagos State government’s commitment to the principle that ‘disaster knows no boundaries’. By extending operational support beyond state lines, Lagos is setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria and the nation at large.”

He added that the intervention underscored the state’s commitment to supporting neighbouring states during emergencies and aligned with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.

“Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA and all South-Western states to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government acknowledges and appreciates the support extended by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in the successful completion of the search-and-recovery operation following the unfortunate building collapse at Baale Road, OGS Bus Stop, Ajuwon.

While commending the spirit of inter-state collaboration demonstrated by LASEMA, it is important to clarify the sequence of events to ensure the public is accurately informed

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said immediately after the incident occurred on Monday, the Ogun State Government activated its emergency response under the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders were deployed to the scene without delay to coordinate search-and-recovery efforts, secure the area, and protect adjoining properties.

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, with the support of Craneburg, its contractor working within the corridor, immediately deployed two payloaders, a heavy-duty excavator, and 10 dump trucks, enabling search and recovery operations to commence within minutes of the collapse. The prompt deployment of heavy equipment significantly enhanced access to the site and accelerated the operation.

Recognising the strategic importance of the incident and its proximity to the Lagos State border, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development promptly reached out on Monday to the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA to request additional support. The Lagos emergency team subsequently arrived on Tuesday, 28 July.

By the time the Lagos emergency team arrived, officials of the Ogun State Government, supported by NEMA, security agencies, emergency responders, and Craneburg, had been engaged in continuous search-and-recovery operations for more than 18 hours. The operation had advanced significantly, with substantial excavation and recovery already completed before the Lagos team arrived.

The Ogun State Government also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Kusimo Idris Olalekan, and his team, who worked throughout the night alongside state officials to maintain order, support emergency responders, and ensure the safety of residents in the affected neighbourhood.

The Ogun State Government sincerely appreciates Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the management of LASEMA for responding to its request and demonstrating the spirit of cooperation that should always characterise relations between neighbouring states in times of emergency. The collaboration between both states reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding lives and property regardless of administrative boundaries.

The successful search and recovery operation was made possible through the collective efforts of the Ogun State Government, Ifo Local Government, NEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Craneburg, community volunteers and the support subsequently provided by LASEMA. The Government expresses its profound appreciation to every individual and organisation that contributed to the successful conclusion of the operation.

With the search and recovery operation now concluded, the Ogun State Government has commenced a comprehensive technical investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the collapse. Appropriate regulatory and legal actions will be taken where any violation of approved building standards, physical planning laws or development regulations is established.

The Government reiterates its commitment to strengthening compliance with physical planning laws and building regulations across the state. Developers, property owners and residents are advised to obtain all necessary planning approvals, engage qualified professionals and subject buildings to periodic structural integrity assessments to prevent similar tragedies.

The Ogun State Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wishes those who sustained injuries a speedy and full recovery. The government also expresses its appreciation to the community’s residents for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the operation, which contributed significantly to the orderly conclusion of the emergency response.