Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, which claimed the life of one person.
The directive was announced in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and preventing similar incidents.
According to the statement, the building collapsed on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm, trapping occupants beneath the rubble. While one person was confirmed dead, several others escaped the incident.
Preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the building suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, leaving only sections of the upper slab visible above the debris.
Eyewitnesses said the collapse occurred around 3:00 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 moments before it collapsed.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, 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, immediately launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations.
Contractors working in the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado areas also deployed heavy equipment to assist rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the incident.
Although initial searches found no victims, emergency teams continued excavation after discovering blood stains and footprints beneath the rubble.
The operation later led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had not been confirmed at the time of the report.
The investigation team noted that while the collapse followed severe weather conditions, the exact cause could not be determined at the scene.
According to the statement, experts said only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would determine whether the collapse resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other underlying factors.
Governor Abiodun has therefore 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 carry out comprehensive assessments of the collapsed structure, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials and inspect adjoining buildings for possible structural defects.
The governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased while sympathising with all those affected.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and community members 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 affected persons while investigations continue.
He warned that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans or compromised construction standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Ogun State Government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to enforcing physical planning regulations, the government urged property developers, builders and residents to obtain all necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects and to adhere strictly to approved building plans and specifications.
It also warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard materials and failure to comply with building regulations pose serious risks to lives and property and remain major causes of avoidable structural failures.
