By Our Correspondent
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, warning that anyone found culpable of violating approved building regulations or compromising construction standards will face prosecution.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm, claimed the life of one person, while several other occupants narrowly escaped death.
The governor's directive followed preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team, which revealed that the building suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing its lower floors to sink into the ground while only portions of the upper slab remained visible above the debris.
According to eyewitnesses, the building collapsed at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the area.
Residents disclosed that two women and their children escaped moments before the building gave way after noticing signs of structural distress. A young man also reportedly sustained minor injuries while fleeing the premises before the collapse.
Emergency responders from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department swiftly mobilised to the scene to commence coordinated search-and-rescue operations.
Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also joined the rescue mission by deploying heavy equipment to the site less than ten minutes after the incident.
Although initial searches did not immediately locate victims, emergency teams discovered traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble, prompting a carefully coordinated excavation exercise that eventually led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Experts involved in the preliminary assessment noted that while the collapse occurred after severe weather conditions, the exact cause could not be immediately established.
According to the investigators, only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering assessments can determine whether the collapse resulted from foundation failure, unstable soil conditions, poor construction practices, the use of substandard materials or other structural deficiencies.
Governor Abiodun has therefore directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, alongside other regulatory bodies, to conduct comprehensive investigations into the incident.
The investigation will include structural integrity assessments of the collapsed building, soil testing, examination of construction materials used on the project, as well as safety inspections of neighbouring structures to determine whether they have also been compromised.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, the governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with all those affected by the unfortunate incident.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt response helped rescue several occupants and prevented a higher death toll.
Governor Abiodun assured residents that the Ogun State Government would provide necessary support to victims while investigations continue.
He stressed that any individual found to have violated approved building plans, ignored statutory construction regulations or compromised building standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The state government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for providing support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as another example of the strong partnership between both neighbouring states in safeguarding lives and property.
Reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening enforcement of physical planning regulations, Governor Abiodun urged property developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before embarking on any construction project and to strictly adhere to approved building plans and specifications.
He further warned that unauthorised alterations to approved building designs, the use of substandard construction materials and non-compliance with established building standards remain major threats to public safety.
The governor maintained that strict compliance with building regulations remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable structural failures and protect lives and property across Ogun State.
