Building Collapse Triggers Panic in Lagos

A three-storey building collapses in Alakija, Lagos, with fears that people remain trapped under the rubble.

Panic spread across Alakija, Lagos State, on Thursday after a three-storey building collapsed, leaving fears that several people may be trapped beneath the debris.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on June 25, 2026. A video shared from the scene showed the damaged structure, with one eyewitness saying, “Just now a building collapsed at Alakija, and half of the building is down, and people are inside.”

At the time of reporting, rescue officials had not yet arrived at the location. Authorities had not released details on possible casualties or the number of people affected by the Lagos building collapse.

The incident happened only hours after another building collapse in Port Harcourt, where a three-storey building under construction along Peter Odili Road fell, leaving one person feared dead and several others trapped.

A survivor identified as Taiwo said at least seven workers were inside the Port Harcourt building when it suddenly collapsed. He explained that his brother was among those trapped and that rescue efforts had already brought out some workers alive.

“This morning, I went out to buy something. About eight people were working inside, and they said some of them are Hausa people.

“One of my brothers was inside. Four of them were brought out. But other people are still inside (trapped).”

The two separate incidents have renewed concerns about building safety in Nigeria and the need for stronger monitoring of construction activities. Building collapses in major cities have often raised questions about compliance with safety standards, building materials and enforcement procedures.

Emergency teams are expected to provide further updates as rescue operations and assessments continue at both locations.

What steps should authorities take to prevent more building collapses across Nigerian cities?