NEMA Rescues 9 Persons From Sinking Building In Lagos

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Monday rescued nine persons trapped in a sinking building in Lagos.

The Lagos Territorial Office Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, said over 66 buildings were taken over by flood in Lagos as a result of the downpour.

According to Farinloye, buildings along Akinwunmi, Arowojobe,  EbunOtti Estates are currently flooded due to the early morning rainfall.

He also disclosed that the owner of the sinking building abandoned co-inhabitants in the building and escaped through a ladder.

Farinloye said, “NEMA received a distressed alert on a sinking storey building where nine persons are said to be trapped. The building is located at 47 Akinwunmi Street, Akinwunmi North Estate Mende, Maryland, Ikeja.

“The torrential rainfall which lasted about four hours in the early hours of the day flooded lots of communities in Lagos. NEMA advance team close observations called for more reinforcement of personnel.

“Speaking with the trapped victims, a lady simply known as Ms Blessing, disclosed that they were up to nine persons, mostly women. The landlord of the building had used a ladder to escape but NEMA questioned him for failure to contact emergency responders but someone from one of the trapped victim’s offices contacted NEMA.”

“About 35 buildings on Akinwumi Estate, 31 buildings on Arowojobe Estate, EbunOtti Estate are seriously flooded.

‘’Also, the landlord just returned to the scene and he has been handed over to the Police for leaving the vulnerable ladies.”

Other agencies there were also on ground to salvage the situation include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service and Police Disaster Management Unit.