Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive structural audit and technical 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 would face prosecution.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, following the tragic incident, which claimed one life and left several others injured after the building collapsed during a heavy rainstorm.
According to the statement, preliminary findings by a multi agency investigation team indicated that the building suffered a catastrophic structural failure, with the lower floors sinking into the ground while only parts of the upper slab remained visible above the rubble.
The incident reportedly occurred around 3 p.m. shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the area.
The statement said two women and their children escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before it collapsed.
Emergency responders 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 immediately commenced search and rescue operations at the scene.
Contractors working within the Akute, Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to support the rescue efforts.
Although initial searches did not locate any victims, emergency officials intensified excavation after discovering traces of blood and footprints beneath the debris. The operation later led to the recovery of one deceased victim whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
The statement noted that while the collapse followed adverse weather conditions, experts said only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations could determine whether the incident was caused by foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other factors.
Abiodun 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 and other regulatory bodies to carry out comprehensive assessments of the collapsed building, examine soil conditions, inspect construction materials and evaluate adjoining structures.
Expressing sadness over the incident, the governor sympathised with the family of the deceased and other affected residents.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. The state government will provide every necessary support to those affected while investigations continue,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Abiodun also praised emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt actions helped save several lives.
He warned that the government would not tolerate violations of building regulations.
“Anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans or compromised construction standards will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the governor said.
The state government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.
The governor urged property developers, builders and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before embarking on construction projects and to adhere strictly to approved building plans, stressing that compliance with building regulations remained the surest way to prevent avoidable structural failures.
