A building under construction on Oriwu Street in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, collapsed on Wednesday, trapping several workers beneath the rubble.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly mobilized to the scene to conduct rescue operations.
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As of Wednesday evening, fourteen individuals had been rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure no one remains trapped.
The exact number of individuals present at the site during the collapse is yet to be determined.
Preliminary investigations suggest that structural deficiencies and non-compliance with building regulations may have contributed to the collapse.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has launched a probe into the incident, aiming to identify the developers and contractors responsible.
Authorities have vowed to enforce strict penalties on those found culpable to deter future occurrences.
Residents in the vicinity expressed concerns over the increasing number of building collapses in Lagos, attributing the trend to substandard materials and inadequate oversight by regulatory bodies.
They called for more stringent monitoring and enforcement of building codes to ensure the safety of structures across the state.
This incident has reignited debates on urban planning and construction practices in Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities.
Experts advocate for comprehensive reforms in the construction industry, including continuous professional development for builders and stricter certification processes for building projects.