The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said 12 adult males have been rescued alive from the building collapse in Ajuwon, Ogun State.

However, one adult female, a 75-year-old man, and a baby were confirmed dead, following the vertical collapse of the 3-storey building.

Ajuwon is a border town between Lagos and Ogun states.

According to a statement by the Head, Public Affairs, LASEMA, Afolabi Olawale, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, following the incident, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, directed LASEMA to assist the efforts of the Ogun State government.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government officials, led by the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Eng Ade Olayinka Akinsanya, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and other relevant stakeholders, are currently at the scene of the incident for the rescue and recovery operations.

“Our joint rescue teams have successfully rescued 12 persons alive from the rubble, while the bodies of three victims have been recovered. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, as we remain committed to ensuring that every trapped victim is accounted for.”

The agency further disclosed that preliminary structural assessment also revealed that the adjoining bungalow was severely compromised by the impact of the collapse, “and now poses a significant safety risk.

“Consequently, the building will be carefully demolished to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard emergency responders as well as residents within the area.”

When our reporter visited the scene Tuesday afternoon, LASEMA officials were present with their heavy rescue equipment to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

Speaking on the intervention, Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the action of the Lagos State Government reflects its commitment to the principle that disaster knows no boundaries.

“By extending operational support beyond state lines, Lagos is setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria*and the nation at large.

“This magnanimous gesture underscores the Governor’s vision of Lagos not just as a Centre of Excellence, but as a First Responder State with the capacity, compassion, and political will to support sister states in times of distress. It aligns with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.”

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, extended the agency’s deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to all affected.

“We also commend the bravery of all first responders working tirelessly on the ground.”

He stated further that Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA, and all South-Western States to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens.

The operation is now at ground zero, with responders excavating below the foundation level to ensure no victim remained trapped before the operation is concluded.

As at Tuesday afternoon, search and rescue operations were still ongoing.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that four vehicles were involved in the early morning accident on Kara Bridge, inward Mowe-Ibafo.

The accident, which was caused by brake failure, disrupted vehicular movement on the bridge.

LASEMA, however, responded promptly by sending its Response Team.

Explaining in a statement, the Head of Public Affairs, LASEMA, Afolabi Olawale,
on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the LASEMA Agency’s Response Team was deployed at 05:46hrs following reports of a truck accident obstructing the corridor.

“On arrival, responders found a truck laden with bags of monosodium glutamate which had fallen on its side across the carriageway, obstructing approximately 75 per cent of the road inward Mowe-Ibafo.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident was caused by a mechanical failure, specifically brake failure, which led the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn.

“The impact triggered severe traffic congestion and resulted in a secondary collision involving four other vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, a mini truck conveying paints, a flatbed truck loaded with imported plywood, and another fully loaded truck. As a result of the secondary impact, paint and wooden sheets were spilled across the roadway.”

He disclosed that an adult male was found trapped beneath the overturned truck and was confirmed dead at the scene, with two others sustaining minor injuries.

The body was handed to the Federal Road Safety Corps for evacuation.

Oke Osanyintolu further stated that to safeguard road users, the incident area was immediately secured, and traffic management measures were activated to minimise the risk of further incidents and to ease vehicular movement.

” Recovery operations were commenced with the support of two private tow trucks, working to evacuate the affected vehicles and clear the obstruction.

“The operation is being jointly coordinated by the LASEMA Response Team, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority,” Oke -Osanyintolu stated.

Recovery efforts are currently ongoing to remove the vehicles, clear the spilled contents, and restore full vehicular movement along the affected corridor.

LASEMA advised motorists to exercise patience, adhere to diversions and instructions from traffic officials on ground, and maintain safe driving speeds, particularly around Kara Bridge.

Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“We also appreciate the professionalism of all responders and the cooperation of road users during the operation.

“LASEMA remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with sister agencies to ensure prompt and effective emergency response across the State,” he concluded.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has contained a fire incident involving a gas-laden tanker at Ola Farm Bus Stop, along Abaranje Road in Ikotun, Lagos.

The incident, which happened earlier today, caused temporary inconvenience to members of the community, and has since been arrested by the
Response Team of LASEMA.

According to a statement by the Head, Public Affairs , LASEMA,  Afolabi Olawale, on behalf of the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu,  the Response Team met the tanker engulfed in flames when it got to the scene of the incident.

Initial findings, according to the statement, revealed that the vehicle was travelling at speed when it struck a road bump. The impact caused the driver to lose control, which led to a tyre burst and an immediate fire outbreak.

However, LASEMA, working in close coordination with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,  moved in, suppressed the fire, secured the perimeter, and prevented any escalation that could have threatened nearby homes, businesses and road users.

The statement added that the operation was supported by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps and officers of the Nigeria Police from Ikotun Division, who managed crowd control and traffic diversion to ensure safety and order at the scene.

Oke-Osanyintolu was grateful that there were no casualties.

“The situation has been brought under control and the fire fully extinguished.
“Efforts are now focused on the safe evacuation of the affected tanker from the roadway. To achieve this, LASEMA has deployed heavy-duty equipment to lift and remove the vehicle to restore normal traffic flow in the area. The operation remains ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.