A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night, September 12, 2025, at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Eyewitnesses reported seeing several people trapped under the rubble, creating panic in the surrounding neighborhood.
The collapse occurred around 8:30 pm, just as many workers were finishing their day. Residents rushed to the site, trying to help, while emergency responders were quickly mobilized. Such incidents have become increasingly common in Lagos, highlighting ongoing concerns about building safety standards.
NEMA confirmed that four adult male workers have been rescued alive and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact number of people still trapped is unconfirmed, and search and rescue operations are ongoing into the night.
Swift and coordinated rescue efforts
Emergency teams, including NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, worked tirelessly to rescue trapped workers. They cordoned off the area to ensure safety and facilitate smooth operations.
The responders faced a challenging environment, carefully navigating unstable debris to prevent further collapses. “No effort is being spared to save lives,” a NEMA spokesperson said, emphasizing the dedication of the teams on the ground.
Eyewitnesses praised the professionalism and bravery of the rescue teams. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the four trapped workers were safely evacuated and received prompt medical attention, avoiding what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
Calls for better construction safety
Authorities have repeatedly warned developers against unsafe building practices, citing prior cases where buildings were sealed for non-compliance. Poor construction materials, weak regulatory enforcement, and negligence are frequently linked to such collapses.
Data from Lagos State government and civil society organizations show that dozens of building collapse incidents occur yearly, often resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement. The Alagomeji collapse is the latest reminder of the risks posed by substandard construction.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing. Officials hope to determine accountability and prevent similar disasters in the future. Meanwhile, residents continue to call for stricter adherence to building codes to protect lives.
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