Ogun building collapse death toll rises to three

The Lagos State Government has deployed emergency responders and heavy rescue equipment to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations following the collapse of a three-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ogun State.

This is just as officials said three people have so far been confirmed dead.

The building, which collapsed on Monday after a downpour and thunderstorm, comprised two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that eyewitnesses and emergency responders said the incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Monday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said the intervention followed a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government.

According to the statement, the Lagos State Government approved the deployment in line with efforts to strengthen inter-state emergency response and cooperation.

LASEMA said its rescue team, accompanied by specialised heavy-duty recovery equipment, joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service and other emergency responders at the scene on Tuesday morning.

Giving an update on the operation, the agency said 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were confirmed dead.

Casualty update as of 11:42 a.m.: 12 adults rescued alive, one adult female recovered dead, one baby girl recovered dead and one elderly man, aged 75, recovered dead,” the statement read.

It added that rescue and recovery operations were ongoing.

Speaking on the intervention, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Oke-Osanyintolu, said the deployment reflected the Lagos State Government’s commitment to regional emergency collaboration.

“This action reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the principle that ‘disaster knows no boundaries’. By extending operational support beyond state lines, Lagos is setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria and the nation at large,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the intervention underscored the state’s commitment to supporting neighbouring states during emergencies and aligned with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery and commended all emergency responders involved in the operation.

Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA and all South-Western states to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens,” he added.