Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reported that one person died and 26 others were rescued after a two-storey building collapsed at Coast Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who led the coordinated rescue operation, disclosed the incident to newsmen in Lagos.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency received a distress call at 12:11 a.m. and immediately mobilized emergency responders to the scene.
“Under the watch of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, all emergency responders, including members of the Local Emergency Management Committee, moved swiftly to the scene,” he said.
He added, “Our response was not only effective but efficient. We moved strategically and systematically. So far, we have evacuated 21 people to various general hospitals, where they are receiving adequate treatment. In Lagos State, victims of emergencies are treated free of charge, and that policy is being implemented right now.”
Five other victims were treated on-site by the LASEMA Ambulance team and discharged after medical attention. One fatality was recorded, and the body has been deposited at the mortuary.
The permanent secretary explained that rescue operations are ongoing, conducted with precision and coordination to avoid further casualties.
“We have divided the disaster scene into four quadrants. At the inner quadrants, we are using light-duty equipment to prevent additional harm, while at the outer quadrants, heavy-duty equipment is deployed. We are moving strategically and steadily to ground zero,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that the deliberate approach is intended to prevent technical or accidental mortalities. “It is not that any of our equipment broke down; it is part of our strategic operation plan. We are working carefully based on information from different sources to ensure that no trapped person is endangered by heavy machinery,” he said.
He assured Lagos residents that the state government remains fully in control of the situation. “We are already on top of all challenges and moving strategically to ground zero,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mohammed Olatunde, Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos, confirmed that federal and state emergency teams are working in synergy for an effective response.
“We have been on the ground, and resources have been fully deployed. Officers and materials are on site, and rescue operations are ongoing in collaboration with LASEMA and other stakeholders,” Olatunde said.
He appealed for calm among affected residents and relatives of victims, urging them to cooperate with rescue teams. “The incident is unfortunate, and we understand the emotions of families with loved ones trapped inside. However, every effort is being made to rescue everyone alive, by God’s grace,” he said.
Olatunde also disclosed that NEMA would provide relief and support to displaced victims after the rescue phase.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with combined teams from LASEMA, NEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service, police, and other first responders working to clear debris and ensure public safety.
