Three Trapped, Two Rescued As Uncompleted Building Collapses In Osun
A local resident and member of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service reported that a loud noise was heard in the neighborhood as the building suddenly collapsed.
A building collapse in Osogbo, Osun State, has resulted in at least three people being trapped under the rubble, while two others have been rescued.
The uncompleted story building, which was allegedly used by hoodlums for illicit activities, collapsed around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Sabo area.”
A local resident and member of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service reported that a loud noise was heard in the neighborhood as the building suddenly collapsed.
He stated, “The incident happened between 7:30 and 8:am this morning (Sunday). A loud sound was heard. The house is not being inhabited by anyone. But some people usually hide there to smoke or gamble. Some people were trapped.”
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, the Osun State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported that two individuals have been successfully rescued from the rubble, while three others remain trapped under the decking.
The statement provided an update on the ongoing rescue efforts, highlighting the NSCDC’s role in responding to the building collapse incident.
“While we await the crane, people are doing all they can within their physical capacity to break the decking and connected rods,” Adeleke said.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has stressed the crucial need for obtaining approved building plans to guarantee construction standards and prevent unnecessary loss of life and injury.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke cautioned developers and residents against constructing buildings without proper authorisation, warning that structures that compromise human safety will be demolished. He emphasised the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to building regulations to avoid such tragedies.
“A building plan is not an optional step in the construction process as it prevents substandard houses that frequently collapse and pose safety risks to occupants and the environment,” the governor said.
“I am using this medium to direct the Ministry of Lands to step up enforcement of approved building plans by developers and residents. Our officials must go to the estates and development areas to ensure houses are constructed according to approved plans.
“We need to save lives by ensuring that houses are built to standard. We must also be proactive by testing the strength of houses before a human tragedy occurs. Substandard houses, once identified, should be pulled down before they collapse.”
The governor vowed to sanction those who refuse to comply with the condition of approved building plans.
“I further direct relevant agencies to pull down substandard houses before they cause harm. We must not wait for lives to be lost before we act,” he added.
