Death toll from Ogun building collapse reaches three

The Lagos State Government has sent emergency responders and heavy rescue tools to help with the rescue and recovery efforts after a three-storey building fell at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ogun State.

Officials have confirmed that three people have died so far.

The building collapsed on Monday following a heavy rain and thunderstorm. It had two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments above.

PUNCH Online reported that witnesses and emergency responders said the incident happened around 2 p.m. on Monday.

On Tuesday, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, issued a statement saying the Lagos State Government responded to a request for help from Ogun State.

The statement explained that the Lagos State Government approved the deployment to boost emergency response and cooperation between states.

LASEMA mentioned that its rescue team, along with heavy-duty recovery equipment, joined officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service, and other emergency teams at the site on Tuesday morning.

In an update on the operation, the agency reported that 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were confirmed dead.

The statement read, “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.”

It also stated that rescue and recovery work was still ongoing.

Dr Oke-Osanyintolu spoke about the intervention, saying it showed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to working together with neighboring states during emergencies.

“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 said.

Oke-Osanyintolu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a quick recovery, and praised all emergency responders involved in the operation.

“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 added.