Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a building on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in the Ifo Local Government Area, warning that anyone found guilty of violating building regulations or compromising construction standards will face prosecution.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm and heavy downpour. Preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic failure, causing its lower floors to sink into the ground while only portions of the upper slab remained visible above the debris. Eyewitnesses reported that the collapse happened around 3:00 p.m., shortly after an intense storm accompanied by a reported lightning strike. Two women and their children escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled.
Emergency responders from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department mobilized to the scene. Local contractors operating along the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to assist search-and-rescue operations.
Although initial surface searches did not immediately locate victims, emergency teams discovered blood traces and footprints beneath the rubble, prompting a controlled excavation that led to the recovery of a deceased victim. Updated emergency reports indicated that search-and-rescue teams from both Ogun and Lagos states subsequently rescued 12 occupants alive, while the confirmed death toll later rose to three.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, and the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency to conduct structural, geotechnical, and forensic engineering assessments to establish whether the failure resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, or substandard materials.
Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, Governor Abiodun extended condolences to the family of the deceased, commended first responders and community volunteers, and assured victims of state support. He also acknowledged the Lagos State Government for providing emergency response support, describing the joint effort as a testament to regional collaboration in protecting lives.
Abiodun urged property developers, builders, and residents to obtain statutory approvals and strictly adhere to approved building plans, warning that unauthorized alterations, substandard materials, and non-compliance with building codes remain grave threats to public safety.
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