Lagos Govt Probes Collapse of School Building in Ogba

By Abah Margaret

The Lagos State Government has launched a full investigation into the collapse of a four-storey building that housed a private school and residential occupants on Adu Street in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos.

The incident occurred on Monday, sparking concern among residents in the neighbourhood.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) confirmed the development, noting that no fatalities were recorded because students, staff, and other occupants had evacuated the building before it collapsed.

The statement, signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, explained that the building served both as residential accommodation and as a school facility.

“The building, which accommodated both residential occupants and a private school, collapsed on Monday, causing concern within the neighbourhood. No casualties were recorded as students, staff and other occupants had exited the building before the incident occurred,” the statement read.

The structure reportedly housed Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College. However, some students were said to have sustained minor injuries during the emergency evacuation and were later taken to hospital for treatment.

Residents said the building collapsed at about 11 a.m. shortly after a crack was noticed on one of its walls by a nearby fashion designer, who immediately alerted school authorities and neighbours.

Teachers quickly evacuated the pupils and other occupants, and the building reportedly collapsed minutes after they exited the premises.

Officials of LASBCA, alongside personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders, visited the scene shortly after the incident to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

Authorities also evacuated and sealed nearby buildings within the same premises pending structural integrity assessments.

“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings were advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being conducted on surrounding structures to determine their condition and structural stability,” the agency stated.

Preliminary findings by LASBCA indicated that building activities had been ongoing at the property prior to the collapse. Residents also confirmed that renovation work was being carried out on the ground floor of the building.

The agency said a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

LASBCA also used the opportunity to urge property owners and developers to strictly comply with approved regulatory procedures during construction and renovation projects to prevent similar incidents.