Collapsed Building
Iyunade Grace
A building under construction collapsed and sank on Baale Street in Ajuwon on Monday morning, leaving 12 people rescued and 3 others confirmed dead. The incident occurred around 9:30am at a three-storey structure in the Ajuwon axis of Akute, where workers were on site carrying out concrete work. Residents said they heard a loud cracking sound before the building tilted and caved in.
According to the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, OSEMA, distress calls came in from neighbors and passersby immediately after the collapse. First responders from OSEMA, the Red Cross, NSCDC, and the state fire service mobilized to Baale Street and began a rescue operation that lasted over 6 hours. Using excavators, manual tools, and sniffer dogs, they worked through concrete slabs and iron rods to reach those trapped.
Officials confirmed that 12 people were pulled out alive, most of them construction workers. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Ajuwon and Akute, including the General Hospital in Iju and private clinics in the area. OSEMA said 8 of the rescued victims are in stable condition, while 4 are receiving treatment for serious injuries including fractures and head trauma.
Three bodies were recovered from the rubble. OSEMA said the deceased were all male workers between the ages of 24 and 37. Their remains have been deposited at the morgue while families are being contacted. Emergency officials noted that the toll could have been worse if not for the quick intervention of residents who alerted authorities and helped in the initial digging.
Preliminary reports point to possible structural defects and poor supervision. The Ogun State Building Control Agency said the building on Baale Street did not have complete approval and that a stop-work notice had been issued to the developer weeks earlier. The site has now been sealed off, and the developer has been invited for questioning. Engineers have also been deployed to assess other nearby structures for safety risks.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a full investigation into the Ajuwon collapse and directed stricter enforcement of building codes across Ogun State. In a statement, he commiserated with the families of those who died and wished the injured a quick recovery. He warned developers against cutting corners and said anyone found culpable will face prosecution. Community leaders in Ajuwon are also calling for more regular monitoring of construction sites in the area to prevent future tragedies.
