A two-storey building has collapsed on Baale Street in the Ajuwon area of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State.
The building, which comprised shops and residential apartments, collapsed on Monday afternoon during heavy rainfall in the area.
Emergency responders were mobilised to the scene following the incident.
Speaking to Channels Television at the scene, Akiode Saheed, the South-West Zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the occupants of the building had noticed structural cracks but failed to notify the appropriate authorities.
Saheed said emergency responders had commenced the evacuation of the debris.
He disclosed that three bodies were recovered from the rubble after the collapse on Monday, while 12 people were rescued.
“As you can see, all rescue agencies are conducting search and rescue operations. Currently, we are evacuating the debris.
“As of yesterday, 12 people were recovered alive while three bodies were brought out. The bodies have been deposited in the hospital.
“There had been cracks in the building, but the occupants did not report them to the appropriate authorities.”
LASEMA Joins Rescue Operations
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also joined the rescue operation, as Ajuwon is a border community between Ogun and Lagos states.
In a statement, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said the agency responded to a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government following the incident.
Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA supported the rescue operation by deploying its personnel and heavy rescue equipment.
