A three-storey building collapsed on Thursday in the Apapa area of Lagos, claiming one life and leaving eight others injured, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed.
According to the agency, the incident occurred at No. 28, Baale Alayabiagba Street, in the Alayabiagba community of Ajegunle, when the building suddenly gave way during a manual demolition exercise.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said in a statement that emergency teams were alerted to the scene at around 11:09 a.m. “Following distress alerts at 11:09 a.m., LASEMA activated the state’s emergency response plans from Agbowa and Alausa,” he stated.
Upon arrival, responders found the three-storey structure with a penthouse completely collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the debris. “Eight adult males were rescued alive and given first aid by the Lagos State Ambulance Service before being taken to Ajeromi General Hospital for further treatment,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He added that one adult male was unfortunately recovered dead from the rubble. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
Residents told emergency officials that the building had been undergoing manual demolition before it suddenly crumbled. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as clouds of dust filled the air and bystanders rushed to assist trapped workers before official rescue teams arrived.
One witness, who identified himself simply as Adeola, said, “We were watching the demolition from a distance when the building suddenly collapsed. Some of the labourers managed to escape, but a few were buried under the debris before help came.”
LASEMA’s response team was joined by personnel from several agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police.
As of press time, search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with officials combing through the rubble to ensure no one remained trapped. Heavy machinery was deployed to assist in clearing debris while safety officers cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties.
The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, though officials suspect structural weakness due to the demolition process. Investigations are being conducted by LASBCA to ascertain whether the demolition met safety standards.
Building collapses have remained a recurring concern in Lagos, often attributed to poor construction practices, use of substandard materials, and inadequate regulatory enforcement. Thursday’s incident adds to a series of similar tragedies that have drawn public outcry over safety oversight in Nigeria’s most populous city.
Authorities have urged residents to report distressed structures and illegal demolitions to relevant agencies to prevent future disasters.
As emergency teams continue rescue efforts, the Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening building inspection regimes and ensuring strict compliance with urban safety regulations.
