The Lagos State Government has initiated an investigation following the collapse of a three-storey building located at 10 Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2025, around 9 a.m., tragically resulting in the death of two individuals and trapping several others.
The building housed the well-known Equal Right Restaurant and Bar, where both workers and customers were present at the time of the collapse. As of the latest updates, 24 people have been rescued from the rubble, with emergency responders from multiple agencies actively engaged in ongoing rescue operations.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the building’s owner would face legal consequences as part of the investigation into how the collapse occurred. “There is a procedure if there is any building collapse. The state government will find out how it happened,” he confirmed.
Emergency services, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue efforts. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as they prayed for the safety of those trapped underneath the debris.
Residents reported that the building had been abandoned for over a decade, with construction only recently resuming on the upper floors. One eyewitness recounted hearing alarming noises just before the collapse, noting that concerns raised about the building’s structural integrity were dismissed by a worker.
Among the trapped individuals was 22-year-old Ayomide Adebola, whose sister arrived at the site in distress, hoping for news of her safety. Another resident, Wasiu, shared the heartbreaking story of a family of three who were in their vehicle when the building fell.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, indicated that rescue teams are working carefully to avoid further harm, employing both heavy and light-duty equipment to extract victims from the rubble.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has also warned of the dangers associated with long-abandoned buildings, emphasizing that such structures can deteriorate and collapse unexpectedly.
As the investigation unfolds, the Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies of this nature. The community mourns the loss of life and hopes for the swift recovery of those injured.
