A tragic incident struck the Yaba area of Lagos State on Friday night when a three-storey building located at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, collapsed, claiming one life and leaving several others trapped beneath the rubble.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in its Day 2 situation report released Saturday, confirmed that the body of a male victim was recovered as rescue operations continued. The agency also noted that four survivors had been pulled out alive and were receiving treatment in hospital.
Emergency responders from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have maintained a strong presence at the disaster site. The area has been cordoned off to allow smooth operations and to protect bystanders.
NEMA’s statement added, “So far, four persons have been rescued and are in stable condition. No further rescues have been recorded at this time, though there are strong indications that two more persons remain trapped.”
Eyewitness accounts vary, with some residents claiming as many as six people were trapped when the structure gave way, while others reported five. Authorities have stressed that the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed.
Rescue workers, equipped with heavy-duty machinery and supported by sniffer dogs, have been working around the clock, determined to save lives. Officials assured that “no effort will be spared” until the search-and-rescue mission is concluded.
The collapse adds to a growing list of building failures in Lagos and across Nigeria, where weak regulatory oversight, substandard materials, and poor construction practices have repeatedly led to tragic outcomes. Experts warn that without stricter enforcement of building codes, such incidents will continue to claim lives and displace families.
What you should know
A three-storey building collapsed in Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, killing one person and leaving several others trapped. Four survivors have been rescued, while emergency officials continue search efforts.
The incident highlights recurring issues of poor construction practices and weak enforcement of building regulations in Lagos, where such tragedies occur frequently.
