One person has been killed and two others injured following the partial collapse of a two-storey building undergoing manual demolition in Alimosho, Lagos State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The Alpha Eagle Response Team from the Cappa-Oshodi unit was deployed at 12:56 a.m. to manage the situation after receiving a distress call.
Upon arrival, emergency responders cordoned off the area and began search and rescue operations. Preliminary findings revealed that the building collapsed while workers were engaged in manual demolition, trapping several individuals under debris. A joint operation involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) successfully rescued two adult males from the rubble.
LASAMBUS personnel provided life-saving first aid to the injured victims at the scene before transporting them to a nearby health facility for further medical evaluation. Tragically, one adult male was recovered dead from beneath the collapsed structure, according to LASEMA’s official statement. The agency confirmed the casualties and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, extended his sympathies to the bereaved family and wished the injured a swift recovery. He emphasized the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, especially during construction and demolition activities. Oke-Osanyintolu urged developers and property owners to strictly follow building regulations and hire only certified professionals for such work.
He also encouraged residents to report any suspected unsafe building or demolition activities through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines. LASEMA noted that security agencies and community leaders were working closely with emergency responders to ensure safe access and smooth execution of the rescue mission.
The state government reiterated its ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency response systems by decentralizing response units and expanding equipment capacity. The goal is to maintain a 10-minute emergency response time across Lagos, ensuring faster intervention during crises. This incident underscores the importance of safety compliance in urban development, particularly in densely populated areas like Alimosho. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review demolition practices and enforce stricter oversight to prevent future tragedies.
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