In two separate incidents that underscore the ongoing challenges of building safety in Nigeria, families narrowly escaped tragedy in Lagos while rescue efforts continue in Osun State following building collapses over the weekend.
In Lagos, a family living in the boys’ quarters behind a storey building on No 49 Oyinlola Street, Off Adealu Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, had a miraculous escape when their quarters collapsed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred between 7:30 and 8:00 am, drew immediate response from local authorities including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed that while the boys’ quarters self-collapsed, the single family involved managed to escape before the collapse, resulting in no casualties or fatalities. LASEMA’s investigation revealed that neglect and poor maintenance were the primary causes of the collapse.
Meanwhile, in Osun State, a building collapse in the Sabo area of Osogbo on Sunday has left two people rescued and three others trapped. Kehinde Adeleke, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reported that rescue efforts were ongoing. Notably, the NSCDC had previously warned about the building’s condition in a report dated June 10, describing it as a potential threat to the area.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about building safety and maintenance in urban areas across Nigeria. In Lagos, LASEMA has cordoned off the main building and advised all occupants to evacuate immediately. The agency has also recommended manual demolition of the collapsed boys’ quarters and integrity tests for the main building.
The situations in both Lagos and Osun highlight the critical need for improved building regulations, regular inspections, and swift action on identified structural risks. As rescue efforts continue in Osun and investigations proceed in Lagos, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures in ensuring urban safety and preventing such tragedies in the future.
Local authorities and emergency services continue to monitor both situations closely, emphasizing the need for public awareness about building safety and the importance of prompt reporting of structural concerns to prevent future incidents.
