(The scene of the incident. Photo Credit: Punch News)
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.
Officials said three people have so far been confirmed d£ad.
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.
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 the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said its intervention followed a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government
With the Lagos State Government approving the deployment as part of efforts to strengthen inter-state emergency response and cooperation.
LASEMA said its rescue team, alongside specialised heavy-duty recovery equipment, joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 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 had been confirmed d£ad one adult female, one baby girl, and one elderly man aged 75 as of 11:42 a.m., adding that rescue and recovery efforts were still ongoing.
Speaking on the intervention, Oke-Osanyintolu said the deployment reflected the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the principle that disaster knows no boundaries, noting that by extending operational support beyond state lines.
Lagos was setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across South-West Nigeria and the country at large.
He said the intervention underscored the state’s commitment to supporting neighbouring states during emergencies, in line with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and commended all emergency responders involved in the operation.
He added that Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA and all South-Western states to build a safer and more resilient region for all citizens.