Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, stressing that anyone found responsible for breaching building regulations or failing to meet construction requirements would be prosecuted.
The building reportedly gave way on Monday afternoon after a heavy rainfall, leaving three people dead while 12 others were rescued alive.
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Preliminary assessments by a joint investigation team revealed that the structure experienced a major structural failure, causing the lower sections of the building to collapse into the ground. Only parts of the upper floor slab were visible amid the wreckage.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, it was disclosed that Abiodun had instructed relevant agencies to carry out comprehensive structural, geotechnical and forensic examinations to establish the exact cause of the disaster.
The governor was quoted as saying: “Any individual found to have breached approved building regulations, altered authorised plans, or compromised construction standards will face prosecution in line with the law.”
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and property through stronger enforcement of physical planning and building control measures across Ogun State.
The statement noted that witnesses reported that the collapse occurred around 3 p.m., shortly after a heavy storm with strong rainfall, thunderstorms and an alleged lightning strike in the area.
It added that two women and their children managed to escape after noticing warning signs of structural weakness, while a young man suffered minor injuries while attempting to leave the building moments before it fell.
Emergency teams from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, 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 quickly arrived at the scene to begin rescue operations.
The statement further revealed that construction companies operating around the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado areas sent heavy machinery to the site within minutes of the incident to assist emergency workers.
Initial searches failed to uncover any trapped victims, but rescue personnel began a controlled excavation after detecting blood marks and footprints beneath the collapsed structure.
The operation later resulted in the recovery of one body, though the identity of the victim had not been established at the time.
Following the development, Governor Abiodun instructed experts from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ogun State Building Control Agency, Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other regulatory institutions to inspect the collapsed building, analyse the soil conditions, test construction materials and examine nearby structures for possible safety concerns.
Expressing his condolences, the governor sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives and others affected by the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and everyone impacted by this tragic event. The Ogun State Government will continue to provide the necessary assistance while investigations are ongoing,” Abiodun said.
He also praised emergency responders, volunteers and residents who participated in the rescue efforts, noting that their quick actions helped save lives and prevent further casualties.
The Ogun State Government equally thanked the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the cooperation between both states as a reflection of their shared commitment to protecting citizens.
Abiodun advised developers, contractors, artisans and residents to secure all required approvals before starting construction projects and to strictly follow approved designs and technical specifications.
He warned that illegal modifications to approved plans, the use of inferior construction materials and disregard for safety regulations could endanger lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the death toll from the collapse had risen to three.
In an update issued on Tuesday by LASEMA Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said it was supporting the Ogun State Government’s rescue operation and confirmed that 12 people had been rescued alive.
“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 agency stated.
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