Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building in Ajuwon, Ifo Local Government Area, that killed one person, warning that anyone found to have violated building regulations would face prosecution.
The building on Baale Road collapsed on Monday afternoon during a severe thunderstorm, trapping occupants beneath the rubble. While several residents escaped, emergency responders later recovered one body after hours of rescue efforts.
The Ogun State Government said preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team showed the building suffered a catastrophic structural failure, with the lower floors sinking into the ground and only parts of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris.
Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike. Two women and their children reportedly escaped after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building moments before the collapse.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, the 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, were mobilised to the scene.
Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to support rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the incident.
Although initial searches found no victims, rescue teams intensified excavation after discovering traces of blood and footprints beneath the debris. The operation later led to the recovery of one body, whose identity had yet to be confirmed.
The government said the exact cause of the collapse remains unknown, adding that structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would determine whether it resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other factors.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun 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 relevant agencies to conduct comprehensive assessments of the collapsed structure, examine soil conditions, inspect construction materials, and evaluate neighbouring buildings for possible structural compromise.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with other victims. He also commended emergency responders, volunteers, and residents for helping to rescue several occupants and minimise further casualties.
He assured affected residents of government support and warned that anyone found to have deviated from approved building plans, violated construction regulations or compromised building standards would be prosecuted.
The Ogun State Government also acknowledged the Lagos State Government for supporting the emergency response, describing the collaboration as evidence of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations, the government urged developers, builders, and property owners to obtain all necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects and to comply with approved building plans.
It warned that unauthorised alterations, the use of substandard materials, and disregard for established construction standards continue to pose serious risks to lives and property, stressing that strict compliance with building regulations remains the best safeguard against avoidable building collapses.
