Seven confirmed dead in Ojodu-Berger building collapse, rescue operations continue

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that the death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos has climbed to seven.

In a statement issued to journalists on Monday, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that 13 people have so far been rescued from the wreckage.

“As of the time of this update, a total of 20 individuals have been accounted for. Thirteen people have been pulled out alive, including four adult women and nine adult men,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that seven bodies had been recovered: five adult women and two adult men.

He confirmed that the search and rescue efforts were still underway and that safety protocols remained in place.

“Crowd management, as well as the establishment of both outer and inner perimeters, is being maintained to support the ongoing operation,” he said.

The incident occurred at approximately 9.45 a.m. on Saturday. According to LASEMA, distress calls were received at that time, prompting the activation of the Emergency Response Plans from both the Command and Control Centre in Alausa and the Onipanu response unit.

“Emergency responders arrived on site by 9.52 a.m. and discovered that a three-storey building, which housed a restaurant and bar, had collapsed, trapping several individuals beneath the rubble,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Authorities continue to work at the scene as efforts to locate any remaining victims persist.