File Photo: A collapsed building
By Didimoko A. Didimoko
The recent building collapse in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, has claimed the lives of at least five people, with multiple others rescued from the wreckage.
The incident, which occurred in a three-story building, has drawn a coordinated emergency response from various agencies.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that a total of 20 individuals were pulled from the debris.
Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s coordinator for the South-West region, revealed that among the survivors were both men and women, but unfortunately, the death toll has now risen to five with three women and two men confirmed dead.
Initially, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had reported just one death during their Saturday recovery efforts.
However, an updated statement on Sunday confirmed that four additional victims had been found. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, shared that the bodies of the five deceased were transported to the morgue, while the 13 survivors are receiving necessary medical attention.
Emergency crews remain on the scene, continuing their search for any other possible survivors. Further updates are expected as the rescue efforts progress.
Lagos Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin had earlier announced that 23 people were rescued, with two confirmed dead as of Saturday.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s incident was one of several collapsed building tragedies in recent times, and it highlights the challenges faced by Lagos in managing its urban growth. With millions of people living in rapidly developing areas, the pressure on infrastructure, housing, and safety measures is immense.
Building collapses are not a new problem in Lagos, and this latest incident calls for a renewed focus on stricter enforcement of building regulations and improved safety standards to prevent further loss of life.
