Yaba Building Collapse leaves workers trapped as rescue teams battle to save lives at Alagomeji, Lagos

Yaba Building Collapse has once again drawn national attention to the persistent problem of unsafe construction practices in Lagos, after a three-storey structure under construction at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, caved in late Friday.

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The collapse trapped several workers beneath the rubble, sparking an urgent search and rescue mission by multiple emergency response agencies.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which confirmed the incident in a preliminary statement through its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, described the situation as critical.

So far, three adult males have been pulled out alive, thanks to the swift intervention of the LASEMA Rescue Team, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and supporting agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the Rapid Response Squad.

The survivors received first aid on-site before being transferred to General Hospital, Harvey, Yaba.

Heavy equipment, including an excavator provided by LASEMA, is currently being deployed to clear the debris in the hope of reaching more victims.

The operation remains delicate, with responders working round the clock to prevent further tragedy.

While the cause of the Yaba Building Collapse is still under investigation, questions have once again been raised over regulatory compliance and structural integrity.

Lagos has suffered repeated building failures in recent years, many linked to poor construction standards and weak enforcement of safety codes.

In November 2023, an elderly woman died following a partial collapse on Oloto Street, also along Borno Way. More recently, in March 2025, four workers lost their lives at Oriwu Estate, Lekki, despite prior warnings issued by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

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Friday’s collapse has revived urgent calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and tougher penalties for violators, as the city continues to grapple with an avoidable cycle of loss and grief.