Abiodun Orders Full Probe Into Ajuwon Building Collapse
….Vows Action Against Building Regulation Violators
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, which claimed one life and left several others injured or displaced.
The building collapsed on Monday afternoon following a heavy downpour accompanied by severe thunderstorms. Preliminary findings indicated that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground while parts of the upper slab remained visible above the rubble.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. Two women and their children reportedly escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled before the building gave way.
Emergency responders, including officials from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, swiftly mobilised to the scene to begin search-and-rescue operations.
Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to assist rescuers within minutes of the collapse.
Although initial searches did not locate any victims, traces of blood and footprints beneath the debris prompted emergency teams to carry out a carefully controlled excavation, which led to the recovery of one deceased victim whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
Governor Abiodun subsequently directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other regulatory bodies to conduct detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic investigations into the incident.
The governor said the assessments would determine whether the collapse resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other factors. He also ordered inspections of neighbouring buildings to ascertain whether they had been compromised.
Expressing sadness over the tragedy, Abiodun condoled with the family of the deceased and sympathised with all those affected. He commended emergency responders, volunteers and community members for their swift intervention, which helped rescue several occupants and minimise casualties.
The governor assured affected residents of government support and warned that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans or compromised construction standards would face prosecution.
The Ogun State Government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between both states in safeguarding lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations, the government urged developers, builders and residents to obtain all necessary approvals before commencing construction and to adhere strictly to approved building plans.
It further warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard materials and failure to comply with established construction standards pose serious risks to lives and property, stressing that strict compliance with building regulations remains the best safeguard against preventable structural failures.
