By Karen James
Lagos, January 29, 2025 — A devastating building collapse occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Ikota area of Lekki, Lagos, as a two-storey structure under construction suddenly gave way, trapping several workers beneath the rubble. The exact number of those affected remains unknown, but emergency responders have confirmed the successful rescue of two individuals.
Emergency response teams, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the police, swiftly mobilized to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building collapsed at approximately 3:00 PM while most of the victims were construction workers engaged in various tasks inside the structure. Concerned residents immediately raised distress calls, prompting the deployment of rescue teams.
Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, confirmed the incident and assured the public that all efforts were being made to safely retrieve any remaining victims. “Our personnel, alongside other emergency responders, are working tirelessly to locate and rescue anyone still trapped beneath the debris,” Keshinro stated.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse, though preliminary investigations are expected to examine potential structural deficiencies, the use of substandard materials, or non-compliance with building regulations.
This tragedy has reignited concerns about recurring building collapses in Lagos, a problem often linked to poor construction practices and regulatory lapses. Experts are calling for stricter enforcement of building codes and enhanced monitoring to prevent further incidents.
The Ikota collapse is the latest in a series of building failures in the state, underscoring the urgent need for better safety protocols and compliance with construction guidelines.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging developers and contractors to adhere strictly to regulatory standards to ensure the safety of construction sites.
Further updates on the situation will be provided as rescue efforts and investigations progress.
