The Lagos State Government has deployed emergency responders and heavy rescue equipment to assist ongoing rescue and recovery operations following the collapse of a three-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ogun State.
The building, which collapsed on Monday after a heavy downpour and thunderstorm, housed two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the intervention followed a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government as part of efforts to strengthen inter-state emergency collaboration.
LASEMA said its rescue team, accompanied by specialised heavy-duty recovery equipment, joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service and other emergency responders at the scene on Tuesday morning.
The agency confirmed that 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were recovered dead.
“Casualty update as of 11:42 a.m.: 12 adults rescued alive, one adult female recovered dead, one baby girl recovered dead and one elderly man, aged 75, recovered dead,” the agency said, adding that rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing.
LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the deployment reflected the Lagos State Government’s commitment to regional emergency cooperation.
“This action reflects the Lagos State Government’s 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,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the intervention underscored Lagos’ commitment to supporting neighbouring states during emergencies and aligned with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery and commended all emergency responders involved in the operation.
“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,” he added.
