The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State has risen to three, while 12 persons have been rescued alive, as emergency agencies intensified rescue and recovery efforts at the scene.
The latest casualty figures were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu, who disclosed that the Lagos State Government deployed emergency responders and heavy rescue equipment to support the Ogun State Government following a request for assistance.
The building, which reportedly collapsed on Monday after a heavy downpour accompanied by a thunderstorm, housed two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors.
According to LASEMA, its rescue team arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning alongside specialised heavy duty recovery equipment and joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service and other emergency responders already carrying out rescue operations.
Providing an update on the incident, the agency said 12 adults were rescued alive, while the bodies of an adult woman, a baby girl and a 75 year old man were recovered from the rubble.
“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 statement said.
LASEMA added that rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing as emergency workers continued to search the debris for possible survivors.
Speaking on the intervention, Oke Osanyintolu said the deployment demonstrated Lagos State’s commitment to regional cooperation in disaster management.
“This action reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the principle that disaster knows no boundaries. By extending operational support beyond state lines, Lagos is setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria and the nation at large,” he said.
He noted that the intervention aligns with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance, while reaffirming Lagos State’s readiness to support neighbouring states during emergencies.
“Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA and all South-Western states to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens,” Oke Osanyintolu added.
He also commiserated with the families of the deceased, wished those injured a speedy recovery and commended all emergency responders participating in the rescue operation.
