…as government warns against arbitrary construction

Three bodies have been recovered and 12 persons rescued from the rubble of the two-storey building that collapsed recently at Akute-Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State.

The rescue operation were carried out by Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA), in collaboration with the State Fire and Safety Services as well as the Ministry of Environment.

Also the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ogun State Building Production Management, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all other Security/Traffic Agencies were on ground to assist in the rescue operation.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Soyoye-Baker, disclosed this while speaking with newmen yesterday during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

Soyoye-Baker, who described the incident as unfortunate, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

She mentioned persistent disregard for building regulations, arbitrary building construction, blockage of waterways and drainage channels, the use of substandard building materials as well as other unethical practices as the major factors contributing to building failures.

The permanent secretary said that despite government’s sustained public enlightenment campaign and sensitisation efforts, some residents would still continue to ignore safety regulations, thereby exposing lives and property to avoidable risks.

She reiterated the State Government is committed to enforcing building rules and regulations, urging residents, developers and property owners to obtain the necessary approvals and strictly adhere to construction guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

Soyoye-Baker commended all emergency responders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt response helped to save lives and minimise further casualties.

One of the survivors, Mr. Olanrewaju Nojim, who escaped, moments before the building collapsed, expressed gratitude to the rescue teams for their timely response and dedication throughout the rescue operation.

Also on ground to assist in the rescue operation were the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ogun State Building Production Management, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all other Security/Traffic Agencies.