ONE DEAD AS OGUN ORDERS TECHNICAL PROBE INTO BUILDING COLLAPSE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, which claimed one life and left several residents traumatised.
The building caved in on Monday afternoon after a heavy downpour accompanied by severe thunderstorms, triggering a swift multi-agency emergency response and raising fresh concerns over building safety and regulatory compliance in the state.
Preliminary findings by a government investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground while only parts of the upper slab remained visible above the rubble.
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Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed around 3:00 p.m., shortly after torrential rainfall and a reported lightning strike. Two women and their children reportedly escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled moments before the collapse.
Emergency personnel from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department responded to the scene.
Contractors operating within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to aid rescue efforts within minutes of the incident.
Although initial rescue operations did not immediately locate victims, blood stains and footprints discovered beneath the debris prompted a carefully coordinated excavation, leading to the recovery of one body. The victim’s identity had yet to be confirmed as of press time.
Experts involved in the investigation said the exact cause of the collapse could only be determined after detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering assessments. They noted that possible factors include foundation failure, unstable soil conditions, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other structural deficiencies.
Governor Abiodun has directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant agencies to conduct thorough assessments of the collapsed building, evaluate the soil, examine construction materials and inspect neighbouring structures for possible structural damage.
Expressing sympathy over the tragedy, the governor condoled with the family of the deceased and wished the survivors strength and recovery.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the host community for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt actions helped rescue occupants and prevented further casualties.
Abiodun assured affected residents of government support while investigations continue, warning that anyone found to have violated building regulations, deviated from approved plans or compromised construction standards would face prosecution.
The Ogun State Government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for its assistance during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.
The government reiterated its commitment to enforcing physical planning regulations and urged developers, builders and residents to obtain all required approvals and strictly comply with approved building plans and construction standards to prevent future structural failures.
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