Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, warning that anyone found to have violated building regulations or compromised construction standards would face prosecution.
- +Abiodun orders probe into Ogun building collapse
The building, which reportedly collapsed on Monday afternoon following a heavy downpour, has claimed three lives, while 12 other occupants were rescued alive.
The building, which reportedly collapsed on Monday afternoon following a heavy downpour, has claimed three lives, while 12 other occupants were rescued alive.
According to preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team, the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only sections of the upper slab remaining visible above the rubble.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the governor had directed relevant agencies to conduct detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic investigations to determine the actual cause of the collapse.
Abiodun was quoted as saying, “Anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans, or compromised construction standards will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
He added that the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property by strengthening the enforcement of physical planning regulations across Ogun State.
According to the statement, eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3 p.m., shortly after a heavy rainfall accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the area.
It added that two women and their children escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries while fleeing the building moments before it collapsed.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, the State Fire Service, the Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, swiftly mobilised to the scene for search-and-rescue operations.
The statement added that contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis deployed heavy equipment to the site less than 10 minutes after the incident to support the rescue efforts.
Although initial searches did not locate any victims, emergency workers commenced a controlled excavation after discovering blood stains and footprints beneath the debris.
The operation initially led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time.
According to the investigation team, the exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined at the scene despite the adverse weather conditions that preceded the incident.
The experts explained that only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would establish whether the collapse resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other underlying factors.
Consequently, the governor directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, alongside other regulatory bodies, to assess the collapsed structure, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials and inspect adjoining buildings for possible structural defects.
Expressing sadness over the incident, Abiodun sympathised with the family of the deceased and other victims affected by the collapse.
He said, “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. The Ogun State Government will provide every necessary support to those affected while investigations continue.”
The governor also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their prompt intervention, noting that their efforts helped rescue several occupants and minimised further loss of life.
The Ogun State Government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the emergency response, describing the collaboration as evidence of the strong partnership between both states in safeguarding lives and property.
Abiodun urged developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before embarking on construction projects and to adhere strictly to approved building plans and specifications.
He warned that unauthorised alterations to approved building designs, the use of substandard materials and non-compliance with established construction standards posed serious threats to lives and property.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency, which is assisting the Ogun State Government in the rescue operation, said the death toll had risen to three.
Giving an update on the operation, LASEMA said 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were confirmed dead.
“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,” the statement read.
