By Peter Omopo | September 13, 2025
A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State, trapping several people beneath the debris.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, noting that the collapse occurred at about 8:30 p.m.
“While eyewitness accounts vary, with some saying six people were trapped and others reporting five, emergency responders have so far rescued four adult males alive and taken them to the hospital for treatment,” the agency said.
Teams from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other responders swiftly mobilised to the scene to begin search-and-rescue efforts.
As of Saturday morning, officials said the exact number of people still trapped remained unclear. The site has been cordoned off to ensure safety while rescue operations continue.
“The search and rescue operation is continuing into the night, with responders assuring that no effort will be spared to save lives,” NEMA added.
Building collapses remain a recurring tragedy in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, often linked to substandard construction materials, poor engineering practices, and weak regulatory oversight. Government data and reports by civil society groups indicate that dozens of such incidents are recorded each year, leading to deaths, injuries, and displacement.
Authorities in Lagos have repeatedly warned developers against unsafe practices, sealing off several buildings in the past for non-compliance with safety standards.
