At least eight people have died and 26 others have been rescued following the collapse of a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the figures in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to him, the building—located on Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop off the Lagos–Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town—collapsed at about 11:37 a.m., triggering a large-scale emergency response involving multiple agencies.
Updating on the rescue effort, Oke-Osanyintolu said, “As of 4:20 p.m., 26 persons have been rescued alive, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl.”
He added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with emergency responders continuing efforts to locate and extricate anyone trapped under the debris. “Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he said.
Earlier, the LASEMA boss said the agency had activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA, noting that a coordinated multi-agency operation was immediately launched.
He disclosed that initial rescue efforts led to the recovery of two survivors through the combined efforts of LASEMA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and CRCC Construction Company.
“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said, adding that a deceased adult male was also recovered in the early phase of the operation.
Oke-Osanyintolu further noted that there were indications that more people, including shop owners and occupants who had resumed business activities, may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he said.
He also confirmed that heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, had been deployed to assist in clearing debris and speeding up rescue efforts.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations,” he added.
Agencies involved in the coordinated response include LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
