Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA), in collaboration with the State Fire and Safety Services as well as the Ministry of Environment,  have rescued twelve persons and recovered the bodies of three others from the rubble of a two-storey building that collapsed recently at Akute-Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Soyoye-Baker, disclosed this while speaking with Journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

She expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and described the incident as unfortunate, decried the persistent disregard for building regulations, citing arbitrary building construction, blockage of waterways and drainage channels, the use of substandard building materials as well as other unethical practices as major factors contributing to building failures.

She said that despite government’s sustained public enlightenment campaign and sensitisation efforts, some residents would still continue to ignore safety regulations, thereby exposing lives and property to avoidable risks.

Mrs. Soyoye-Baker, reiterated the State Government's commitment to enforcing building rules and regulations, urged residents, developers and property owners to obtain the necessary approvals and strictly adhere to construction guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

The Permanent Secretary commended all emergency responders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt response helped to save lives and minimise further casualties.

One of the survivors, Mr. Olanrewaju Nojim, who escaped, moments before the building collapsed, expressed gratitude to the rescue teams for their timely response and dedication throughout the rescue operation.

Also on ground to assist in the rescue operation  were the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services, Ogun State Building Production Management, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all other Security/Traffic Agencies.