The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which verified the reports, stated that three females and two adult males were among the five people killed in the devastating collapse of a three-story building at 9 & 10 Oremeta Street, Ojodu-Berger on Saturday, April 19. 12 victims were rescued alive as of 02:41 a.m. on Sunday, April 20th.
The building, which housed Equal Rights Restaurant and Bar, collapsed suddenly, trapping 17 people under debris. Rescue efforts, which began after distress alerts at 09:45 on Saturday, are still ongoing.
The area has been cordoned off for safety, and several agencies, including LASAMBUS, LASTMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, NEMA, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Red Cross, are present. LASEMA’s Response Teams, which include the Tiger and Cobra units from Alausa and Onipanu, are organizing search and rescue operations, aided by heavy equipment like excavators, payloaders, and hiabs, as well as light rescue tools like concrete cutters and spreaders.
Given Lagos’ alarming record of 19 building failures in 2024, the reason of the collapse is still being investigated.
The event comes after an Ikota collapse in January 2025 that left two people dead and five wounded, bringing attention to persistent issues with uncontrolled development.
Investigations are anticipated to examine adherence to safety regulations by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), which is present on the scene. Ojodu LCDA personnel and people of the community are still on the site, assisting with the search for any more victims.
As rescue efforts continue, the Lagos State Government has pledged a comprehensive investigation to address accountability and prevent future tragedies; updates on the operation are anticipated as the situation unfolds.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has conveyed condolences and reaffirmed the need for stricter enforcement of the building code.
