By Emamuzo Iboma
Sadly,in a heart-wrenching turn of events, Ojodu Berger woke to a tragedy early Saturday morning as a building collapse struck at 10, Oremeta Street, home to the popular Equal Rights Restaurant. The disaster, occurred just as dawn broke out,which left lot of people trapped beneath the rubble and received a swift response from emergency services.
Addressing this was Hon. Segun Odunmbaku, the Executive Chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Without delay, he mobilized local authorities, rallying key agencies such as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). Together, they launched a determined effort to rescue those impacted by the horrifying incident.
Eye-witnesses described the chaos unfolding around them, with the piercing sound of emergency sirens slicing through the air and families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. “We heard a loud crash, and within moments, the building crumbled,” recounted a nearby resident. “It was so terrifying. All we could do was to scream and in hurry search for survivors.”
still on the rescue , hope prevailed as 16 individuals were successfully saved from the debris, promptly transported to Royan Hospital and LASUTH for urgent medical care. Unfortunately , four victims lost their lives, prompting Hon. Odunmbaku to visit the hospitals, ensuring that those saved received the support and care they needed while extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Expressing gratitude towards the Lagos State Government and rescue teams, Hon. Odunmbaku praised their bravery and dedication, assuring the community that the council would persevere until every last individual was accounted for. “The safety of our people is paramount,” he declared passionately.
Meanwhile, structural engineers from LABSCA have commenced an investigation into the collapse, seeking to uncover any building violations that may have contributed to this tragedy. Security personnel have cordoned off the area to safeguard both responders and residents in the surrounding vicinity.
As the community continues to grapple with shock and uncertainty, rescue efforts remain persistent, with updates promised by the council. Hon. Odunmbaku also conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, vowing continued support during this devastating time. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We are doing everything possible to ensure that those affected receive the help they need,” he stated.
This heartbreaking collapse serves as a stark reminder of the pressing challenges surrounding building safety and regulations in urban landscapes. Officials are expected to confront these critical issues in the days to come, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all residents in the area. As investigations proceed, the community is urged to steer clear of the site to mitigate any further risks, as both rescue operations and inquiries continue in earnest.
