Three-Storey Building Collapse in Lagos Claims One Life, Triggers Urgent Rescue Mission in Ojodu

 

LAGOS — What began as an ordinary Saturday morning in the Ojodu area of Lagos turned to tragedy when a three-storey building located at No. 10 Oremeta Street suddenly gave way, killing one person and injuring several others.

The ill-fated structure, which housed the popular Equal Right Restaurant, crumbled to the ground around 8:30 a.m., catching many unsuspecting individuals within its walls. Among the victims were restaurant staff, diners, and even members of a family who were present in the building at the time of the collapse.

In an interim update from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), officials confirmed that 12 individuals had been rescued from the debris so far. Sadly, one adult victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The rescue mission, now in its critical phase, remains ongoing, with emergency teams carefully navigating the rubble amid fears that more people remain trapped.

“The cause of the building collapse has not yet been determined,” said the agency in a preliminary statement shared with SaharaReporters. “Distress alerts were received at exactly 08:32 hours, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency responders to the site.”

As the news of the collapse spread, the area quickly turned into a scene of frenzied activity, with worried onlookers and anxious family members standing by as emergency workers pressed forward with the rescue operations. On-site were multiple response units, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and officers from the Nigeria Police Force.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment the building caved in. “It was like thunder,” said one resident who lives a few buildings away. “The noise was deafening. People screamed. Dust filled the street. It was chaos.”

Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, addressed journalists at the scene, offering cautious optimism while emphasizing the methodical nature of the ongoing rescue.

“As of this report, five people had been rescued alive,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said. “We are approaching this situation with all necessary caution. Heavy-duty and light-duty equipment are being used strategically to reach ground zero.”

He added, “There is credible information suggesting that more people are still buried underneath. We cannot rush this process. Every layer of rubble has to be examined thoroughly. It’s about saving lives, and we must not make mistakes.”

Meanwhile, the collapse has sparked questions about the structural integrity of buildings in the densely populated Ojodu area and Lagos at large. Locals have raised concerns about what they call a “worrisome pattern” of shoddy construction practices and regulatory oversights. Many now fear that other buildings in similar condition may pose similar risks.

“It’s not the first time something like this has happened around here,” one resident told reporters. “We’ve seen buildings collapse before. Everyone knows some of these structures are not safe, but they just keep being used.”

As dusk approaches, the atmosphere around Oremeta Street remains tense. Rescue efforts continue, illuminated by portable floodlights and driven by both urgency and hope. Emergency responders are working in shifts, digging with a mix of mechanical equipment and bare hands, refusing to give up on the chance that more lives could still be saved.

The Lagos State Government is yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the collapse or on any plans for a structural audit of similar buildings in the area. Until then, families and communities hold their breath, hoping that the night brings more rescues and no further casualties.

This incident is yet another reminder of the precarious reality facing many urban dwellers in Lagos—where rapid development often outpaces enforcement of safety standards. For the people of Ojodu, the collapse of the Equal Right Restaurant building marks a painful chapter, underscoring the need for reform, responsibility, and resilience in the face of tragedy.