A three-storey building has collapsed in the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, triggering panic and an ongoing rescue operation.
The incident occurred around 11:40am on Thursday. As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties was yet to be ascertained, with reports of people possibly trapped under the rubble. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the collapse and said rescue teams have been mobilised to the scene.
Residents and passers-by rushed to the area as the building gave way suddenly, disrupting normal activities in the neighbourhood. Further details on the cause of the collapse and the extent of damage are still emerging. Building collapses remain a recurring tragedy in Lagos, often linked to substandard construction, poor enforcement of building codes, and the use of substandard materials. This latest incident has renewed calls for stricter regulation of the construction industry and regular audits of existing structures, especially in densely populated areas.
Emergency responders are working against time to locate and rescue any survivors. The Lagos State Government is expected to provide updates as the operation continues. Stakeholders have urged property owners to prioritise safety standards to prevent future occurrences.
