A three-storey building collapsed on Thursday at Alakija in the Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, killing at least nine people, while 27 others were rescued alive. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as rescue operations continued amid emotional scenes and fears that more victims may still be trapped, CHIJIOKE IREMEKA reports
Thursday, June 25, 2026, began like any other day until tragedy struck at about 11:40 a.m. in Alakija, Oriade LCDA, when a three-storey building collapsed, killing at least nine people, and 27 others were rescued alive even as residents claimed more victims remained trapped.
The building, which was said to be over 45 years old, housed several businesses, including a cybercafé, a cold room, business centres, retail shops, a betting shop, and travel agencies.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the building, located at the junction of Old Ojo Road and the road leading to Festac and Navy Town, had become structurally deficient after a road expansion project, during which part of the structure was demolished.
One of the soldiers assisting at the scene, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak officially, said that since the road expansion project led to the partial demolition of the building, no reinforcement work had been carried out to stabilise the remaining structure.
