- A three-storey building collapsed on Borno Street, Yaba, trapping multiple people under debris
- Emergency responders rescued four adult males alive and confirmed one fatality
- Authorities launched overnight search operations as the number of trapped victims remained uncertain
A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night, 12 September 2025, at 333 Borno Street in the Alagomeji area of Yaba, Lagos State, trapping several individuals under the rubble, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., and emergency response teams were swiftly mobilised to the scene to commence search and rescue operations. In an update posted on Saturday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NEMA confirmed that four adult males were rescued alive and taken to hospital for treatment.
“While eyewitness accounts vary, with some saying six people were trapped and others reporting five, emergency responders have so far rescued four adult males alive and taken them to the hospital for treatment,” the agency said.
Responders from multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other support services, were involved in the coordinated response effort.
As of Saturday morning, one death has been confirmed, and the exact number of people still trapped remains unverified. NEMA stated that rescue operations were continuing through the night, with assurances that “no effort will be spared to save lives.”
The area has been cordoned off to ensure the safety of both rescue personnel and the public. Authorities have urged residents to steer clear of the site while operations are ongoing.
Building collapses remain a persistent and tragic issue in Lagos and other urban centres across Nigeria. Experts have long attributed the problem to poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials, and inadequate regulatory oversight.
Data from the Lagos State government and civil society organisations indicate that dozens of building collapse incidents are recorded annually, often leading to significant casualties and displacement.
The Lagos State Government has, on multiple occasions, warned developers against flouting building codes and safety regulations. Several construction sites have previously been sealed off for non-compliance.
Investigations into the cause of Friday night’s collapse are expected to follow, as emergency efforts continue to prioritise the rescue of any remaining victims.
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