Gov. Abiodun Orders Full Investigation into Ajuwon Building Collapse, Vows Tough Action Against Building Code Violators
Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, warning that anyone found culpable of violating building regulations will face the full weight of the law.
Global Mirror News gathered that the building caved in on Monday afternoon following a heavy rainstorm accompanied by intense thunderstorms, claiming one life while several occupants narrowly escaped.
The Governor, while expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through stricter enforcement of building regulations and physical planning laws across the state.
According to preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team, the building suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, leaving only parts of the upper slab visible above the debris.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m., shortly after a torrential downpour reportedly accompanied by a lightning strike in the area. Two women and their children escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before its eventual collapse.
Emergency response teams drawn from the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department swiftly mobilised to the scene to commence coordinated search-and-rescue operations.
Contractors operating within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also deployed heavy equipment to support rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the collapse.
Although initial searches did not locate any victims, rescuers discovered traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble, prompting a carefully coordinated excavation that eventually led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Investigators noted that while severe weather preceded the collapse, the exact cause could not be immediately determined. They explained that detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering assessments would be required to establish whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, unstable soil conditions, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other underlying factors.
Governor Abiodun has consequently directed experts from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, alongside other regulatory bodies, to carry out comprehensive structural assessments, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials and inspect adjoining buildings to determine their structural integrity.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with all those affected by the unfortunate incident.
He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and community members for their prompt intervention, noting that their swift actions helped rescue several occupants and prevented further casualties.
Abiodun assured affected residents of government support throughout the investigation and reiterated that any individual or organisation found to have contravened approved building plans, ignored construction standards or violated physical planning regulations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Ogun State Government also appreciated the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.
Reaffirming its resolve to strengthen enforcement of physical planning regulations, the government urged developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before embarking on construction projects and to strictly adhere to approved building plans and specifications.
It further warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard building materials and disregard for established construction standards pose serious threats to lives and property, stressing that strict compliance with building regulations remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable structural failures.
