At least one person has been confirmed dead and 13 others rescued after a two-storey building collapsed on Saturday morning in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in an official statement, revealing that the building—which housed a local restaurant—collapsed around 8:00 a.m., trapping an unknown number of people beneath the rubble.

Panic and Chaos in the Aftermath

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as locals scrambled to rescue victims before emergency responders arrived. A resident, speaking anonymously to our correspondent, claimed the structure had been undergoing construction prior to the collapse.

“No sooner had some of the restaurant staff arrived than the building caved in,” the resident said.

Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing

NEMA’s South-West Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, disclosed that 13 people had been rescued from the debris, with one adult confirmed dead. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also mobilized to the site. Its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, assured the public that a full search operation was underway.

“We are committed to reaching ground zero and ensuring no one is left behind. The governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is closely monitoring the situation,” Oke-Osanyitolu stated.

Residents Blame Structural Failures, Poor Engineering

Amid the rescue efforts, concerns have emerged over possible negligence by the building contractor. One resident alleged that an unauthorized additional floor had recently been added.

“The engineer didn’t follow proper procedures,” the resident claimed. “Decking shouldn’t be left exposed for too long, especially in the rainy season. The weight distribution wasn’t handled correctly, and now lives are at risk.”

The resident also criticized the rescue equipment being used, saying, “They need better machinery to lift concrete slabs safely. Breaking them manually could injure those still trapped underneath.”

Government Urges Calm, Promises Full Investigation

Authorities have called for calm while rescue efforts continue. Both NEMA and LASEMA pledged to conduct thorough assessments and provide a full report upon completion of the search.

The Lagos State Government has not yet released an official statement on potential sanctions for the contractor or property owner, but sources indicate a probe is imminent.