LASEMA Ends Alakija Building Collapse Rescue, Confirms 27 Survivors, Nine Dead

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded search, rescue and recovery operations at the site of the collapsed two-storey building at Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, rescuing 27 people alive and recovering nine bodies.

The building collapsed at about 12:47 p.m. on Thursday in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, triggering a multi-agency emergency response.

In a statement issued Friday by LASEMA's Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, the agency said its emergency teams were mobilized immediately after the incident.

According to the statement, the agency's Sharks Response Team from Lekki and Alpha Cobra Squad from Onipanu arrived at the scene within 40 minutes, joining personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Red Cross and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

LASEMA said all 27 survivors received emergency medical care from LASAMBUS before being taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

The agency said the fatalities included four adults confirmed dead before rescuers arrived and five additional victims recovered during the operation, including a two-year-old girl.

"The remains have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and release to their families," the statement said.

LASEMA said heavy-duty excavators, including equipment deployed by CCECC, helped responders reach trapped victims and complete the operation safely.

Rescue efforts ended at about 4 a.m. Friday after emergency teams reached ground zero.

The agency added that Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and the ministry's Permanent Secretary supervised the operation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency to inspect nearby structures and enforce compliance with building safety regulations.

LASEMA expressed condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The agency also urged residents to report distressed buildings promptly to LASBCA or through its emergency toll-free lines, 112 and 767, to help prevent future building collapse tragedies.