The number of fatalities from the collapsed three-storey building in Lagos has risen to five.
EpeInsights had earlier reported the collapse of a three-storey building, housing a restaurant and undergoing renovation at Oremeta Street Ojodu Berger.
This sent shockwaves leaving residents and emergency responders scrambling to save those trapped.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed on Sunday morning that the number of casualties has increased from 2 to 5.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu provided the update at around 6am, noting that all five victims recovered from the rubble were adults.
He said the figures were accurate as of 5am Sunday.
Earlier reports indicated that several people were feared dead, but figures from Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, confirmed two fatalities as at Saturday evening and 22 survivors pulled from the rubble.
“Names of the property owners and site managers are known to us. An investigation is underway to uncover what went wrong,” the CP told reporters, adding that the area remains an active emergency zone with search efforts ongoing.
Eyewitnesses say the building showed signs of distress before the collapse, and some residents claim no visible stop-work or evacuation notices had been posted prior to the tragedy.
“We warned them. That building wasn’t safe,” one resident said. “Now lives have been lost because no one listened.”
Both the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) coordinated the rescue operations, assuring the public that every effort will be made to reach ground zero and prevent further loss of life.
The incident has once again sparked debate over building safety, regulatory enforcement, and the growing risk posed by aging structures in Lagos undergoing hasty or unauthorized renovations.
