It was a relief for residents of an apartment at Banana Island as Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) rescued them after more than an hour in an elevator.

The video of the trapped residents went viral after they raised the alarm and were seen sweating and appearing distressed while stuck inside the lift.

In the video, a social media user claimed the incident occurred at an apartment building near Banana Island School Apartment.

According to him, the trapped occupants had contacted the landlord’s daughter for assistance but were told the management would see what they could do.

He wrote, “We are here in the lift of the Banana Island School apartment. We have been stuck here for almost 40 minutes.

“We are all suffocating in here. Nobody seems to be doing anything about it.

“We spoke to the land lady’s daughter, she said they will see what they can do. Can you imagine.”

Giving an update, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu said the residents were rescued through a joint effort.

He said: “When we were called, we moved in with the Federal Fire Services, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services and Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and we were able to rescue them. They were treated on the spot and we gave them assurance.

When asked about semi-damaged elevators still in use, he said: “Lagosians should write letters to the safety commission, fire services and they will handle the case.