Panic gripped residents of the Ota-Ona area in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Tuesday following the sudden collapse of an uncompleted two-storey building directly opposite the Mobil Filling Station, formerly known as Bugon.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crashing noise around midday, triggering chaos and prompting immediate efforts by locals to assist in the rescue operation before emergency teams arrived at the scene.
According to video footage circulating online, the building’s concrete slabs had caved in entirely, burying construction materials and individuals beneath the debris.
As of the time of this report, five individuals have been rescued alive. However, the actual number of people still trapped inside the rubble remains uncertain. Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) are coordinating the rescue operation, with support from the fire service and police.
Emergency responders were seen working tirelessly, using search-and-rescue tools to sift through the rubble. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also been alerted and is reportedly deploying additional equipment and personnel.
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Although the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be officially determined, preliminary assumptions point to potential structural weaknesses due to poor construction practices or use of substandard materials — a recurring concern in Lagos’ fast-developing suburbs.
This tragic incident once again raises urgent questions about building regulations and the enforcement of safety standards in Nigeria's construction sector. With cases like this occurring in densely populated areas, the Lagos State government is likely to face increased pressure from advocacy groups to tighten oversight and hold developers accountable.
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