Four Rescued as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Yaba

A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, leaving several people trapped under the rubble. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday.

The collapse occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Eyewitness accounts differed, with some reporting that five people were trapped and others saying six. Emergency responders have so far rescued four adult males alive. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Search and rescue efforts are being led by a joint team from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency units.

“The exact number of those still trapped is yet to be determined. Operations are ongoing, and no effort will be spared to save lives,” NEMA said. The site has been cordoned off to ensure safety and allow for unhindered rescue work.

Building collapses are a recurring issue in Lagos and other Nigerian cities, often linked to substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate regulatory oversight. Civil society groups and government data indicate that dozens of such incidents are recorded annually, leading to fatalities, injuries, and widespread displacement.

Lagos authorities have frequently warned property developers against unsafe construction methods, with several buildings sealed in recent years for failing to comply with safety regulations.

As of the time of this report, rescue operations at the Yaba site are ongoing.