Ikorodu Construction Collapse Claims Three Lives

On May 28, 2025, a two-storey building under construction collapsed near Ota-Ona Junction in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The structure, located behind a bungalow and situated near a Mobil Filling Station, gave way with 14 occupants inside. Emergency responders confirmed that three people lost their lives, including two children and a teenage girl, while 11 others were rescued. The building was reportedly being constructed on a 20-year-old foundation.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) led the rescue efforts, supported by multiple agencies including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency. Search and rescue operations were conducted under difficult conditions using excavators, floodlights, and medical teams from the Pre-Hospital Care Unit. Heavy-duty equipment was deployed to deconstruct the remaining structure to ensure safety during the operation.

Residents of Ikorodu have called for the prosecution of the project’s supervising engineer. Allegations include the use of substandard materials, such as 10 mm iron rods instead of the recommended 16 mm, and inadequate cement ratios. Witness reports also suggest insufficient structural attention to floors and load paths. The Lagos State government has initiated an investigation into the incident to identify any violations in material specifications and oversight responsibilities. The building’s owner, reportedly residing abroad, had funded the construction remotely.

Click here for video footage of victims being rescued from the collapse site. Viewer discretion is advised.