Rescue workers have recovered nine bodies and rescued 26 people after a three-storey shopping mall collapsed in the Alakija area of Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, on Thursday.
The Lagos State Government confirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will visit the scene on Friday. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, announced the planned visit as emergency responders continued search-and-rescue operations.
The building, located at Oluti Bus Stop along Old Ojo Road opposite Eternal Oil Filling Station, caved in on Thursday morning, trapping scores of occupants beneath the rubble.
Earlier in the day, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said rescue teams had pulled 26 people alive from the debris while recording eight fatalities, including a baby girl. Authorities later confirmed that the death toll had increased to nine.
“As of 4:20 p.m., a total of 26 persons have been rescued, while eight fatalities have been recorded, including a baby girl,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
“Search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Emergency responders from LASEMA, the Police, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the military, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and other agencies remain at the scene searching for survivors.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the building collapsed, with several people believed to have been trapped inside.
Musa, who was riding his motorcycle when the incident occurred, recalled the terrifying moment.
“I was going to Mile 2 when I suddenly heard noise behind me.
“I drove to the front quickly and then turned back. Then saw that the mall had collapsed.”
Another eyewitness said he narrowly escaped the disaster.
“I was just arriving the shop, just outside. Not up to five minutes after, I heard a loud noise with smoke everywhere.
“I was carrying my child, not knowing which direction to run to as I escaped.”
One witness pointed towards the wreckage, saying rescuers still had hope of finding more survivors.
“Look, there is somebody’s hand showing from that side.
“There is another person making a noise from under the building. A lot of people are still alive inside there.”
A resident, who requested anonymity, said the warning signs had been evident for years.
“My boss owns a cyber café inside the mall. Two years ago, he packed saying the building was giving signs that it would collapse.”
Several residents also claimed the ageing structure had developed visible cracks days before the collapse and alleged that the Lagos State Government had previously marked the building with a red evacuation notice.
One distraught eyewitness said his friend was among the victims.
“My friend is dead inside there. He was about running out when a block hit him. There are casualties.”
Amid the tragedy, onlookers erupted in celebration after rescue workers pulled a young boy alive from the rubble.
Family members of those still missing remained at the scene, praying as emergency workers continued efforts to locate more survivors.
Authorities said all rescued victims and recovered bodies have been taken to Navy Town Hospital, Alakija.
