Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, following an incident that claimed one life.
The building collapsed on Monday afternoon after a severe thunderstorm, while several occupants escaped.
Preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team indicated that the structure suffered a catastrophic failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only parts of the upper slab remaining visible above the rubble.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3 p.m., shortly after heavy rainfall accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the area. Two women and their children reportedly escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before it collapsed.
Emergency responders, including officials from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, the Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, were deployed to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Contractors working in the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also mobilised heavy equipment to assist rescue efforts within 10 minutes of the collapse.
Although initial searches did not locate any victims, traces of blood and footprints beneath the debris prompted emergency teams to carry out a carefully controlled excavation. The operation later led to the recovery of one body, whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
Investigators said that while adverse weather conditions preceded the collapse, the exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined at the scene. They noted that detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would be required to establish whether the collapse resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other underlying factors.
Governor Abiodun subsequently directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to conduct comprehensive assessments of the collapsed building. The investigation will include evaluations of soil conditions, construction materials and neighbouring buildings to determine whether they have also been compromised.
The governor expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, while sympathising with others affected by the collapse.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their swift intervention, which helped rescue several occupants and minimise further loss of life.
Abiodun assured residents that the state government would provide the necessary support to those affected while investigations continue. He warned that anyone found to have breached approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans or compromised construction standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Ogun State Government also thanked the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between the two states in safeguarding lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the enforcement of physical planning regulations, the government urged developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing construction projects and to comply strictly with approved building plans and specifications.
It further warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard materials and failure to comply with building standards pose serious risks to lives and property, stressing that adherence to construction regulations remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable structural failures.
