Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a full investigation into the tragic collapse of a two-storey mixed-use building in Ajuwon, Ifo Local Government Area, which claimed three lives and left 12 others rescued alive.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 27, along Baale Road near OGS Bus Stop shortly after a heavy downpour and thunderstorm.

According to official reports, the building did not collapse sideways as many initially believed. Instead, its foundation reportedly failed, causing the structure to sink almost vertically into the ground. The collapse was so severe that only the upper portion of the two-storey building remained visible above the rubble, prompting emergency responders to deploy excavators and other heavy equipment to gain access to trapped victims.

The building housed shops on the ground floor and residential apartments above. Reports indicate that some occupants had noticed cracks in the structure before the collapse, while some tenants had reportedly moved out months earlier over safety concerns.

Emergency responders, including the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA), Ogun State Fire and Safety Services, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, carried out a search-and-rescue operation that lasted for more than a day.

Twelve people, including two infants aged about 41 days from different families, were rescued alive. Sadly, an adult woman, a baby girl, and a 75-year-old man lost their lives. Their bodies were later recovered and taken to the Ifo Mortuary.

Following the tragedy, conflicting reports flooded social media, with some users claiming the building was four storeys high and alleging a much higher death toll. However, official information later confirmed that it was a two-storey building, three people died, and 12 others were rescued alive.

Some residents also alleged that the Ogun State Fire and Safety Services were the first emergency responders to arrive after distress calls were made, while ambulances and other rescue agencies reportedly arrived later to support the operation. GTVDaily has not independently verified the sequence of arrivals, but multiple emergency agencies eventually participated in the rescue efforts.

Governor Abiodun has directed that a comprehensive technical investigation be carried out to determine the exact cause of the collapse. He also warned against the use of substandard construction materials and urged strict compliance with building regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of taking visible structural cracks and other warning signs seriously. Residents are advised to report any signs of structural distress to the appropriate authorities immediately and seek professional assessments rather than waiting until a disaster occurs.