Society Assistant Editor
Ninolowo Gbamboye
Three-storey building under construction collapsed on Borno Street, Alagomeji. Yaboa, Lagos state, on Friday night.
The Yaba district of Lagos was thrown into chaos on Friday night after a three-storey building under construction suddenly crumbled on Borno Street, Alagomeji. The incident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m., left residents in shock and emergency responders scrambling to save lives.
Fatality Confirmed Amid Search Efforts
On Saturday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that one person had died in the disaster. The victim, a male, was pulled out lifeless from beneath the rubble in the early hours of the day.
Four others, who were earlier rescued alive, are said to be in stable condition after being rushed to nearby hospitals. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility that more people could still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
NEMA’s spokesperson noted:
“One body has been recovered. The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing in collaboration with other emergency units. We cannot yet determine the total number of victims until the operation is concluded.”
Agencies on the Ground
Teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Fire Service, the Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are all working together to clear the debris. Heavy-duty equipment has been deployed to speed up the rescue mission, while security personnel maintain order around the site.
Despite the swift response, tension remains high as families of missing persons anxiously await news of their loved ones.
Residents Demand Accountability
The incident has reignited public anger over recurring cases of building collapse in Lagos. Many residents blame weak regulation and the use of substandard materials by contractors.
A trader in the area expressed her frustration:
“Every year we hear the same story — buildings falling and people dying. Government promises action, but nothing changes. How many more lives must be lost?”
What Comes Next
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is expected to determine whether the developers complied with construction standards and safety approvals.
For now, the Alagomeji community mourns the single confirmed fatality and prays that ongoing rescue operations do not reveal more.
