Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building on Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies and protecting lives.
The building collapsed on Monday afternoon after a severe thunderstorm, claiming one life while several occupants escaped. Preliminary findings by a multi-agency team indicated that the structure suffered a catastrophic failure, causing its lower floors to sink into the ground.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike. Two women and their children escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building.
Emergency responders from the Ogun State Safety Office, Fire Service, relevant ministries, the Nigeria Police Force, and Ifo Local Government immediately launched coordinated rescue operations, with contractors in the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deploying heavy equipment to the site.
Although initial searches found no victims, traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble prompted a controlled excavation, which led to the recovery of one deceased victim whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
Governor Abiodun has directed 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 bodies to carry out detailed structural, geotechnical, and forensic investigations, including assessments of adjoining buildings.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with those affected. He also praised emergency responders, volunteers, and community members for their swift intervention, which helped rescue several occupants and minimise further casualties.
He assured residents of government support while investigations continue and warned that anyone found to have violated building regulations, deviated from approved plans, or compromised construction standards would face prosecution. The government also urged developers and builders to obtain all necessary approvals and strictly comply with approved building standards to prevent future structural failures.
