By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, 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, which claimed one life and left several others traumatised.
The building collapsed on Monday afternoon following a heavy downpour accompanied by severe thunderstorms, prompting an immediate multi-agency emergency response and renewed concerns over building safety and regulatory compliance in the state.
Preliminary findings by a government investigation team indicated that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, while only sections of the upper slab remained visible above the debris.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a torrential rainfall and a reported lightning strike in the area. Two women and their children reportedly escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries while fleeing the building moments before it collapsed.
