Lagos Building Collapse Death Toll Rises to Eight as Rescue Operations Conclude

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The tragic collapse of an uncompleted three-storey building at No. 10 Oremeta Street, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, has claimed two more lives, bringing the total death toll to eight.

The additional bodies were recovered yesterday from the rubble of the structure, which gave way on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m.

Earlier reports confirmed six fatalities, while 20 others were rescued. The discovery of the two remaining victims intensified grief at the scene, drawing crowds of sympathizers and onlookers who turned the area into a somber gathering site.

According to witnesses, construction had recently resumed on the top floor before the collapse.

The ground floor housed the popular Equal Rights Restaurant, bar, and parking space, while the upper floors were unoccupied.

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) continued clearing debris yesterday, using excavators to remove rubble and load trucks.

Investigations revealed that Mariam Omotanwa Salua, CEO of Equal Rights Restaurant, had allegedly carried out renovations—including adding new pillars—without notifying regulatory authorities.

The two recovered victims were reportedly staff members of the restaurant.

Survivors, primarily adult women, are receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Meanwhile, the building’s owner, Mr. Sani Salau, has been arrested and faces legal action.

A distraught resident shared that 22-year-old Ayomide Adebola, a restaurant worker, remains missing. A disc jockey at the venue recounted narrowly escaping after noticing shifting pillars and falling blocks, though some ignored his warnings.

Alhaji Abdulganiu Sani, Chairman of the All Ojodu Communities Development Association, blamed LASBCA for inadequate oversight, insisting the building should have been marked for demolition.

In response, LASBCA spokesperson, Ademuyiwa Adu, stated that residents failed to report the building’s poor condition despite its proximity to the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL).

Attempts by scavengers to loot reinforcement bars from the wreckage were thwarted by police and LASBCA officials, with only authorized personnel permitted to remove materials.