Fatalities in Ogun building disaster now total three

The Lagos State Government has swiftly mobilized emergency responders and heavy machinery to bolster the ongoing rescue efforts at a collapsed three-storey building located on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ogun State, where three fatalities have been confirmed so far.

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The building, which housed two shops on the ground floor and residential units on the upper floors, gave way on Monday following a intense downpour and thunderstorm, prompting a massive rescue operation.

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According to eyewitnesses and emergency responders, the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, with PUNCH Online providing earlier reports on the developing story.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the intervention was made possible by a request from the Ogun State Government, which was subsequently approved by the Lagos State Government.

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The approval was granted in line with the state's efforts to enhance inter-state emergency response and cooperation, with LASEMA's rescue team and heavy-duty equipment joining forces with other emergency responders at the scene on Tuesday morning.

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The team, which included officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ogun State Fire Service, worked together to rescue those trapped in the rubble.

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As of 11:42 a.m., the agency reported that 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were confirmed dead, including a 75-year-old man, a baby girl, and an adult female.

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The statement from LASEMA confirmed that rescue and recovery operations were still underway, with efforts focused on locating any remaining survivors.

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Dr Oke-Osanyintolu highlighted the significance of the Lagos State Government's intervention, stating that it demonstrated the state's commitment to regional emergency collaboration and the principle that "disaster knows no boundaries".

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The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the deployment of resources beyond state lines set a precedent for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria and the nation as a whole.

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Oke-Osanyintolu also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and commended the emergency responders involved in the operation for their tireless efforts.

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The Lagos State Government remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA, and all South-Western states to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens, according to Oke-Osanyintolu.