On Sunday, July 14, 2024, a one-storey building collapsed in the Sabo area of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Nigeria.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that two individuals were rescued from the rubble during the ensuing rescue operation.
Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stated on Monday that security agencies discovered only two people trapped under the debris, contrary to earlier reports suggesting a higher number of victims. Of the two rescued, one person sustained visible injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, while the other emerged unharmed.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 AM on Sunday, initially sparked confusion about the number of trapped victims. Adeleke Kehinde, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had initially reported that five people were entrapped, with two rescued and three still trapped under the collapsed decking.
In response to the incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, issued a warning to developers and residents against constructing houses without approved building plans.
The police command revealed that they had previously flagged the building as a potential threat. In a report dated June 10, they had warned that the structure was being used as a hideout by hoodlums and recommended action by the task force and environmental body to address the issue.
The rescue operation saw participation from various agencies, including Amotekun, led by an individual identified as Asiwaju.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about building safety and the enforcement of construction regulations in the state. Authorities are likely to increase scrutiny of similar structures to prevent future occurrences.
