Nine dead in Alakija building collapse as Lagos targets unsafe buildings

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has vowed to demolish all buildings previously identified as structurally unsafe following the collapse of a three-storey residential building in Alakija, Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area, which claimed nine lives and left several others injured.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, threw the community into panic as residents scrambled to rescue victims trapped beneath the rubble. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the building suddenly gave way.

“We heard a loud sound and everyone started running. People were screaming for help while neighbours rushed to rescue those trapped before emergency officials arrived,” a resident, Chinedu Edwin, said.

Another resident, Abayomi Ibrahim, said rescue efforts lasted for several hours as emergency responders combed through the debris in search of survivors. He commended residents and first responders for working together to save those trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Speaking during an inspection of the site on Friday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised emergency responders for their swift intervention.

Omotoso said 27 people were rescued alive, while nine others died despite the extensive rescue operation carried out by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the police, the military and other emergency agencies. He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been marked as structurally distressed and that occupants were directed to vacate the premises but failed to comply.

He announced that all other buildings already identified as unsafe within the area would be demolished to prevent similar tragedies, stressing that the government would not compromise on the safety of residents. The commissioner warned that anyone found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement efforts would face legal action. He also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as hazardous and unacceptable.

Omotoso added that investigations into the cause of the collapse had begun, while survivors were receiving treatment at various hospitals. He urged residents to comply with government safety directives, emphasizing that protecting lives and preventing avoidable disasters remain the Lagos State Government’s top priority.