One Dead, 10 Rescued as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos

A three-storey building collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday, leaving one person dead, at least 10 others rescued, and an unspecified number feared trapped beneath the rubble as emergency responders intensified search-and-rescue operations.

The building, located on Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Satellite Town, reportedly collapsed at about 11:40 a.m., causing panic among residents, traders and commuters in the busy commercial area.

Emergency teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), security agencies and other responders were immediately deployed to the scene to search for survivors trapped beneath the debris.

Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency activated its emergency response mechanism shortly after receiving distress alerts regarding the collapse.

“LASEMA has activated its emergency response following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Ori-Ade LCDA,” he said.

According to him, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway, with emergency personnel conducting systematic searches of the wreckage amid fears that additional victims may still be trapped.

“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, with responders working systematically to search for and extricate anyone trapped beneath the rubble,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

He disclosed that rescue teams had successfully pulled two victims alive from the debris, while the body of an adult male was recovered during the operation.

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“Two victims have been rescued alive through the joint efforts of LASEMA, LASBCA and CRCC Construction Company,” he said.

“One deceased adult male has been located. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”

The LASEMA boss further revealed that reports from the scene indicated that several shop owners and occupants may have been inside the building when it collapsed.

“There are reports that additional persons, including shop owners who had resumed business, may still be trapped. Search and rescue operations remain active,” he added.

To accelerate rescue efforts, authorities deployed heavy-duty equipment, including excavators, to remove debris and improve access to areas where survivors could still be trapped.

“Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, is being deployed to support rescue efforts,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service provided an updated casualty figure, revealing that 10 people had been rescued alive from the collapsed structure.

In a statement, the agency’s Director, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters received a distress call at 11:37 a.m. and promptly mobilised personnel from the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station, who arrived at the scene within minutes.

According to her, the collapsed structure was occupied at the time of the incident, prompting concerns that more victims could still be buried beneath the rubble.

“As of the time of this report, 10 persons have been rescued alive with varying degrees of injuries and have been handed over to medical personnel for necessary treatment,” Adeseye stated.

She added that emergency responders remained at the scene, combing through the debris in search of additional survivors.

“Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as emergency responders continue efforts to locate, extricate, and evacuate any persons who may still be trapped beneath the debris,” she said.

Witnesses said the collapse triggered panic across the neighbourhood, with residents and traders rushing to the scene to assist before emergency agencies fully took over rescue operations.

Authorities have appealed to members of the public to stay away from the disaster area and allow emergency workers unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the incident scene, and allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out life-saving operations,” Oke-Osanyintolu urged.

As rescue operations continue into the evening, authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Structural engineers and relevant regulatory agencies are expected to launch an investigation to establish whether construction defects, structural failure, poor maintenance or other factors contributed to the incident.

The latest tragedy has once again renewed concerns over building safety and compliance with construction regulations in Lagos, a state that has witnessed several fatal building collapses in recent years despite efforts by authorities to strengthen enforcement and monitoring.

One Dead, 10 Rescued as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos

VIDEO: ‘We Have No Light, We Drink Well Water’ — Mr Ibu’s Widow Cries Out for Help

The widow of late Nollywood icon John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that she and her children are struggling to survive more than a year after the actor’s death.

Speaking during a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris Okafor disclosed that the family is battling severe financial difficulties, including unpaid rent, outstanding school fees, and months without electricity.

According to her, the family’s power supply was disconnected about two months ago due to unpaid bills, forcing them to seek alternative means of charging their phones and carry out daily activities without electricity.

“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They have even cut my lights for two months now. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. It’s not easy,” she said.

The widow explained that the situation has become increasingly difficult as she struggles to provide for her children following the death of the veteran actor, who was one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians.

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She further revealed that her children’s education is now at risk because of unpaid tuition fees. According to her, the school recently sent a reminder demanding payment of outstanding fees, raising fears that the children may be unable to continue attending classes.

“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she lamented.

One of Mr Ibu’s daughters expressed gratitude to her mother for her efforts in keeping the family together despite the mounting challenges.

“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees and make us happy,” she said.

The appeal has drawn attention from fans and supporters who remember the nationwide campaign that raised funds for the actor’s medical treatment before his death.

The late Mr Ibu underwent several medical procedures during a prolonged illness that captured national attention. His condition prompted support from celebrities, colleagues in the entertainment industry, corporate organisations, and thousands of Nigerians who donated towards his treatment.

Despite those efforts, the veteran comic actor passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than two decades in the Nigerian film industry.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential comic actors in Nollywood, Mr Ibu became a household name through his distinctive acting style and memorable performances in numerous blockbuster movies.

His widow’s latest appeal has reignited discussions about the welfare of entertainers and the challenges families often face after the death of prominent public figures. It has also highlighted the growing economic pressures confronting many Nigerian households amid rising living costs and educational expenses.

As calls for support continue to grow, well-wishers have expressed hope that the family will receive the assistance needed to keep the children in school and improve their living conditions.

King Mitchy today visited the family of late legendary Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

During the visit, the family revealed that they have been without electricity and water for weeks and are also struggling to pay school fees. pic.twitter.com/BywOS5cXYx

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 24, 2026

VIDEO: ‘We Have No Light, We Drink Well Water’ — Mr Ibu’s Widow Cries Out for Help

Army Arrests Suspected Terrorist Supplier, Seizes 150 Combat Boots in Zamfara

Troops of Sector II of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected logistics supplier linked to terrorist groups and recovered 150 pairs of combat boots alongside other tactical items during a security operation in Zamfara State.

According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, the suspect was apprehended along the Sokoto-Gusau Road during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by troops on Wednesday.

Military authorities disclosed that the suspect was travelling in a Honda Civic vehicle when troops uncovered a cache of military-related items concealed inside the vehicle.

Items recovered from the suspect included 150 pairs of combat boots, three jackknives, three electric shockers, a tear gas canister, a military beret, and a military belt. Troops also recovered two Android mobile phones, an iPad and a digital wristwatch believed to contain information of intelligence value.

The military described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics and supply chains sustaining terrorist and bandit operations across the North-West region.

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Security analysts have repeatedly identified logistics suppliers as critical enablers of terrorist activities, providing equipment, communication devices, transportation and other resources that help criminal groups sustain operations in remote locations.

The latest arrest comes amid intensified operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA across Zamfara and neighbouring states. In recent weeks, troops of Sector II have recorded several successes, including the interception of a suspected arms courier in Kaura Namoda and the recovery of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition allegedly destined for terrorist groups operating in the region. Military authorities said the operation disrupted an arms supply route believed to be supporting criminal networks across the North-West.

The military has also sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in Zamfara. Earlier this month, troops neutralised terrorists during fighting patrols in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas, rescued kidnapped victims and destroyed terrorist camps used as operational bases by armed groups. Weapons, communication equipment and logistics items were recovered during the operations.

Military authorities said disrupting the movement of equipment and supplies remains a key component of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, as it weakens the operational capacity of terrorist and bandit groups and limits their ability to launch attacks against communities.

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation, while the recovered items have been secured as exhibits.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intensified stop-and-search operations and intelligence-driven missions being conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, their collaborators and logistics networks in order to restore lasting peace and security across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.

Army Arrests Suspected Terrorist Supplier, Seizes 150 Combat Boots in Zamfara