Tragedy Strikes Ikorodu: One Dead, Nine Rescued in Building Collapse, Search Continues

IKORODU, Lagos – A two-storey building under construction at Otta-Ona Junction, opposite Mobil Filling Station in Ikorodu, Lagos State, tragically collapsed yesterday, May 27, 2025, claiming one life and leaving nine others injured. Rescue operations are still ongoing as emergency responders work to confirm if anyone else remains trapped beneath the rubble.

The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m., sending panic through the bustling area. Eyewitnesses reported the sudden collapse of the structure, which was reportedly housing a popular restaurant and undergoing construction at the time it caved in.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) was alerted at 2:02 p.m., swiftly deploying its Response Teams and Pre-Hospital Care Unit from Agbowa and Alausa. Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that upon arrival at 2:40 p.m., it was discovered that three individuals were initially trapped under the debris.

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“Nine adult males were successfully rescued and treated by the agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated. “Unfortunately, one adult male body has been recovered from the rubble as of press time.”

While the immediate cause of the collapse remains undetermined, LASEMA’s Tiger and Lion Response Teams immediately cordoned off the area and commenced search and rescue operations. Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, has been deployed to aid in the efforts.

Other agencies actively involved in the ongoing operation include the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

LASBCA is expected to launch a full investigation into the collapse once the emergency phase is concluded to ascertain the exact cause and hold any responsible parties accountable.

This latest incident highlights the recurring issue of building collapses in Lagos State. Just last month, a similar tragedy in the Ojodu Berger area claimed five lives, raising renewed concerns about building standards and regulatory oversight.

Authorities continue to urge residents to steer clear of the collapsed site as recovery efforts persist.