Fire Service rescues two children as building collapses in Ilorin

Two children trapped in a collapsed building in Ilorin were rescued on Thursady by the Kwara State Fire Service

The building was said to have collapsed at Ajegunle Street off Sabo Line /Isale Oja area of the metropolis, which prompted a quick response of the service to rescue the lads.

The incident involved a two-storey building comprising six (6) flats.

It was reported where the lads – Ahmad (8 years) and Hussainat (10 years) – were trapped but were rescued and taken to the nearest hospital by the Fire Service.

Upon arrival, the firemen immediately commenced salvage operations, recovering essential belongings which included clothing materials, electronics, food items and important documents from accessible areas of the building.

Following an on-site assessment, the Fire Service recommended to the Disaster Management Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to seal off the collapsed structure and issued a seven-day ultimatum to occupants of an adjacent building found to be structurally unsafe and unfit for habitation.

On its part, the NSCDC Disaster Management team acted promptly and enforced the recommendation.

Also, it was gathered that the property manager of the collapsed building had earlier been notified of the deteriorating condition of the structure prior to the incident.

Speaking, the state Director of the Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, who was present at the scene to oversee the operations and ensure effective coordination with relevant agencies.

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He advised property owners and residents to carry out regular structural integrity assessments of buildings.

He also advised them to heed early warning signs such as cracks and weaknesses and take immediate action when defects are identified.

He emphasised that timely intervention could prevent avoidable disasters and save lives.

He promised that the Kwara State Fire Service is resolved to safeguard lives and property urging the public to remain vigilant and proactive in matters of safety.