The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that six people have been rescued while four others lost their lives following the collapse of a three-storey building at No. 325, Bornu Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos.
LASEMA’s Director of Operations, Mr. Olatunde Akinsanya, told reporters at the scene that the agency received a distress call around 6:00 p.m. on Friday and swiftly deployed a response team.
“Emergency scene management is highly complex, and casualty figures often change as rescue operations progress. So far, six people have been rescued alive, while four have unfortunately lost their lives,” Akinsanya said.
He explained that the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the police, the Lagos State Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, helped to quickly contain the situation and prevent higher casualties.
“In spite of the magnitude of the collapse and the number of people inside at the time, the swift intervention of emergency services prevented much greater loss of life,” he added.
Akinsanya praised Lagos residents for cooperating with emergency officials during the rescue effort, attributing the improved crowd control to increased public sensitisation and stronger synergy between residents and emergency responders.
“The emergency services of Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have proven to be highly effective and efficient. As operations continue, we will keep updating the public. We urge Lagosians to remain calm, knowing that the state has the equipment and expertise to handle such situations,” he said.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as officials continue clearing debris in search of more victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that two persons were pulled out alive early Monday after being trapped under the rubble for about three days, bringing the total number of survivors to six.