ABEOKUTA — Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building in Ajuwon, Ifo Local Government Area, as the state government vowed to strengthen enforcement of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
The building, located on Baale Road, collapsed on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm, leaving one person dead while several occupants escaped with their lives.
According to preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team, the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure that caused the lower floors to sink into the ground, leaving only parts of the upper slab visible above the rubble.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the area. Two women and their children reportedly fled the building after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he escaped moments before the building gave way.
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 quickly mobilised to the scene to begin search-and-rescue operations.
Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to assist rescue efforts within minutes of the collapse.
Although initial surface searches found no victims, emergency teams intensified excavation after discovering blood stains and footprints beneath the debris. The operation later led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Investigators said while the severe weather preceded the collapse, the exact cause could not be established at the scene. They noted that detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would be required to determine whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials, or other structural deficiencies.
Governor Abiodun has 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, and other relevant regulatory bodies to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the collapsed building. The investigation will include soil testing, examination of construction materials, and inspections of neighbouring structures to determine whether they have also been compromised.
Expressing sadness over the incident, the governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with others affected by the collapse.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their swift intervention, noting that their efforts helped rescue several occupants and minimise further casualties.
Abiodun assured residents that the state government would provide necessary support to those affected as investigations continue. He warned that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved building plans or compromised construction standards would face prosecution.
The Ogun State Government also acknowledged the support provided by the Lagos State Government during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between both states in safeguarding lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning laws, the government urged developers, builders and property owners to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing construction and to comply fully with approved building plans and specifications.
It warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard building materials and failure to comply with established construction standards continue to pose serious risks to lives and property, stressing that strict compliance with building regulations remains essential to preventing avoidable building collapses.