Building Collapse at Alakija: 10 Rescued as Search Continues in Satellite Town

By Sunny Desmond | DESSY'S BLOG | 

Panic gripped residents of Alakija, Satellite Town on Thursday morning after a two-storey residential building collapsed at Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, trapping multiple occupants under rubble.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received a distress call at 11:37 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Emergency responders from the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station arrived at 11:49 a.m. and began search and rescue operations. 

The structure was an occupied residential building housing multiple families. Eyewitnesses said it gave way without warning around 11:40 a.m., forcing occupants of nearby structures to flee for safety. 

 Casualties and Rescue Efforts

At least 10 persons have been rescued alive with varying degrees of injuries, according to Lagos Fire Service Director Margaret Adeseye. All rescued victims were handed over to medical personnel for treatment. 

Rescue operations remained active as of Thursday afternoon to determine if more victims were trapped beneath the rubble. Other reports indicated a three-storey shopping complex also collapsed in the Alakija area of Ori-Ade LCDA, with two victims rescued alive and one adult male confirmed dead. LASEMA said there were indications that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. 

Agency on ground.

The operation is multi-agency. Personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and Nigerian Red Cross Society are participating. LASEMA deployed heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, to aid search and recovery. 

LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed a coordinated response was underway with LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company. He urged the public to stay away from the scene to allow responders unrestricted access. 

 Cause Still Unknown.

The cause of the collapse had yet to be determined as of Thursday afternoon, with investigations ongoing. Authorities have not confirmed whether structural defects, poor construction, or other factors were involved.

This incident adds to growing concerns over building safety in Lagos. Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu previously noted that some collapsed buildings had been served statutory notices and sealed by LASBCA, but developers continued “clandestine operations mostly at night and on weekends”.

5. Government Response and Public Advisory

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly urged residents to report suspicious construction. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Wasiu Anifowoshe said tenants should “blow the whistle” when landlords do anything dangerous to their safety. 

Under Lagos law, any site that collapses must be seized by the state. LASBCA General Manager Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde said Lagosians must assist by raising alarm over illegal developments. 

Building Collapse Pattern in Lagos

Lagos has recorded multiple collapses in recent years due to lax oversight and sharp practices by developers. In November, a high-rise in Ikoyi killed at least 40 people. In February, a Yaba construction site collapsed trapping workers. In May, 10 people died in Ebute Metta. 

Professionals say collapses occur around Freeman Street and other areas despite continuous campaigns for due process. Kunle Awobodu, former president of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, said defective buildings marked for demolition are often not removed before tragedy strikes. 

Rescue efforts at Alakija were ongoing as of Thursday afternoon. The Lagos State Fire Service assured residents that updates would follow and asked the public to allow emergency responders unhindered access. 

Authorities are expected to release casualty figures and the cause of collapse once operations conclude.