No fewer than three people have been confirmed dead after a two-storey building reportedly sank into the ground along Baale Road in the Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the South-West Zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Saheed Akiode, said rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing as emergency workers continued clearing debris from the site.
Akiode explained that the entire structure would have to be demolished to ground level to enable rescue teams to search beneath the collapsed building for possible victims.
"The operation is still ongoing, and we need to ensure that the building is brought down to ground level so that we can see what is underneath. The situation is calm, and we urge everyone in the area to remain peaceful. As of yesterday, 12 persons were rescued alive, while three bodies were recovered from the rubble," he said.
He added that NEMA immediately activated all relevant emergency response agencies upon receiving reports of the incident, noting that personnel had remained at the scene since Monday carrying out rescue and recovery efforts.
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Kusimo Idris, also confirmed that 12 occupants were rescued alive from the building, including two newborn babies who are less than two months old.
Eyewitnesses and emergency officials said the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Monday, shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by a thunderstorm.
Although the exact number of occupants has yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggested that about 15 people were inside the building when it suddenly gave way.
The incident reportedly caused two floors of the structure to sink into the ground, leaving only the uppermost section partially standing.
As rescue operations continued, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) joined other emergency responders at the scene to reinforce ongoing efforts.
Following a joint assessment, emergency officials from Lagos and Ogun states resolved to demolish buildings adjoining the collapsed structure after identifying them as potential safety hazards.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, and the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the neighbouring buildings posed a serious threat to residents and occupants, making their demolition necessary to prevent another disaster.
Heavy-duty equipment has since been deployed to accelerate debris evacuation, while residents of nearby buildings have begun moving out their belongings as authorities intensify precautionary measures around the affected area.
Emergency responders remain at the site as search and recovery operations continue, with authorities assuring residents that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of the community and account for anyone who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
