Oyo State Orders Integrity Tests After Building Collapse Claims 10 Lives
The Oyo State Government has pledged to conduct an integrity test on all buildings in the Ojugbede Jegede area of Ogbere, Ibadan, following a tragic building collapse that claimed 10 lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred on Thursday, in a structure owned by 80-year-old Babare Lamidi, who reportedly lost five of his grandchildren in the collapse.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the affected area, with a government delegation led by Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, visiting the site to express condolences and assure the community that steps would be taken to prevent further tragedies. Commissioner Akin-Funmilayo explained that the government plans to conduct an integrity test on all buildings in the vicinity to identify any additional structural risks.
Eyewitnesses and sources reported that the building had shown signs of distress, which might have contributed to its collapse. Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi, also present at the scene, confirmed the immediate death toll of 10 people, with eight others sustaining severe injuries. Sonubi assured the public that a full investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. He added that security forces had been deployed to the area to prevent unauthorized access, safeguard property, and protect the community from potential threats.
Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, reported that his agency received an emergency call from the neighborhood at around 2:00 a.m. His team has since been working on the rescue operation, having recovered 10 bodies and rescued nine survivors from the debris. Efforts are ongoing to ensure no one is left trapped under the rubble.
The Oyo State Government’s commitment to conducting structural integrity tests aims to prevent similar incidents and underscore the importance of regular building inspections, particularly for aging structures. This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the need for stringent building standards and proactive safety measures to protect lives.
