One Dead, Several Trapped After Building Collapses in Lagos

• May 27, 2025

One person has died and several others are believed to be trapped after a building collapsed in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident and reported that rescue operations are ongoing at the site. According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, a distress call was received at 2:02 p.m., prompting immediate activation of the state’s emergency response teams from Agbowa and Alausa.

Emergency teams arrived at the scene by 2:40 p.m. and discovered that a two-storey building under construction had collapsed. Initial reports indicated that three individuals were trapped under the debris. Nine adult males were successfully rescued and given medical attention on-site by the LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Unit.

“The cause of the collapsed building is yet to be ascertained,” Oke-Osanyintolu said in a statement. He added that one adult male was confirmed dead during the operation.

To ensure safety and facilitate rescue efforts, officials cordoned off the area surrounding the collapsed structure. Heavy equipment and emergency personnel have been deployed to clear the rubble and search for additional victims who may still be trapped.

The collapse has sparked renewed concerns over building safety in Lagos, a city that has experienced several similar incidents in recent years. Authorities have yet to determine whether the building met construction standards or if there were any violations that may have contributed to the collapse.

Residents in the area have gathered near the site, watching as emergency responders work to retrieve the remaining victims. Many expressed frustration over the frequent occurrences of building collapses in the state, calling for stricter oversight and enforcement of building regulations.

The state government has not yet issued an official statement beyond LASEMA’s update, but further details are expected as the situation develops and investigations continue.

This tragedy adds to the growing list of building collapses in Lagos, highlighting the urgent need for improved construction oversight and accountability. Rescue efforts remain active, and authorities are urging the public to stay away from the site for safety reasons.