The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said one person had died while 26 others had been rescued after a two-storey building collapsed at Coast Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday.
LASEMA’s permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who led the coordinated rescue operation, told journalists that the agency received a distress call at 12:11 a.m. and immediately mobilised emergency responders to the scene.
“Our response was not only effective but efficient. We moved strategically and systematically. So far, we have evacuated 21 people to various general hospitals, and they are receiving adequate treatment.
“In Lagos State, victims of emergencies are treated free of charge, and that policy is being implemented right now,” he said.
He added that five other victims were treated on the spot by the LASEMA ambulance team and discharged after medical attention.
Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said that one fatality was recorded and the body had been deposited at the mortuary.
The permanent secretary said rescue operations were ongoing with precision and coordination to avoid further casualties.
“We have divided the disaster scene into four quadrants. In the inner quadrants, we are using light-duty equipment to avoid additional harm, while in the outer quadrants, we are deploying our heavy-duty equipment,” he said.
Mr Oke-Osanyintolu emphasised that the agency was being deliberate in its approach to avoid technical or accidental mortalities.
“It is not that any of our equipment broke down or stopped working; it is part of our strategic operation plan.
“We are working carefully based on information we received from different sources to ensure that no trapped person is endangered by heavy-duty machinery,” he said.
He assured Lagos residents that the state government remained in full control of the situation.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Olatunde, head of operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Lagos, confirmed that federal and state emergency teams were working in synergy to ensure an effective response.
“Officers and materials are on site, and rescue operations are ongoing in collaboration with LASEMA and other stakeholders,” Mr Olatunde said.
He appealed for calm among affected residents and relatives of victims, urging them to cooperate with rescue teams as operations continue.
Mr Olatunde also disclosed that NEMA would provide relief and support to displaced victims after the rescue phase.
Search and rescue operations are still ongoing at the site, with combined teams of LASEMA, NEMA, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Other members of the team include the Lagos State Ambulance Service, the police, and other first responders working to clear the debris and ensure public safety.
(NAN)