Scene of the collapsed building at Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
No fewer than 3 persons have been confirmed dead after a two-storey building reportedly sank into the ground in the Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon after a heavy downpour accompanied by a thunderstorm.
Emergency responders said 12 occupants, including two newborn babies, were rescued alive from the building.
The South-West Zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Saheed Akiode, said rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing.
He explained that the damaged structure would have to be completely pulled down to enable rescuers search beneath the rubble.
Akiode appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that all relevant emergency agencies had been mobilised to the scene since the incident was reported.
Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Kusimo Idris, also confirmed the rescue of the 12 survivors from the collapsed building.
Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) later joined other emergency responders to strengthen the ongoing operation.
The Ogun State Building Production Management Authority has also declared a neighbouring building distressed, prompting traders occupying its shops to move their goods to safety.
Residents said the collapse has raised fresh concerns over the safety of buildings in the area, especially after the heavy rainfall.
Authorities are expected to determine the exact cause of the incident after rescue operations and structural assessments are completed.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the latest tragedy comes barely days after a privately owned students’ hostel collapsed near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State, where one female student was confirmed dead, three others were rescued alive, and emergency workers are continuing efforts to search for anyone still trapped beneath the debris.
