Tragedy in Kwara as Four Family Members Die in Building Collapse

Four members of a family have died after a three-storey building fell down at Popo Giwa, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday morning.

The incident happened around 5am at No. 41 Popo Giwa Street, next to Gogoro Mosque. Eight family members were initially trapped under the rubble.

An eyewitness, Abdulganiy Musa, told our reporter that the father was a soldier while the mother worked at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies in Ilorin.

Musa said rescue workers were busy trying to save those trapped under the fallen building.

A child named Firdaus, who is the second-to-last born in the family, was rescued alive from the debris as emergency teams worked hard.

An excavator was brought in later to help rescuers clear the rubble and reach the other victims still trapped.

Reports show that many emergency and security agencies took part in the rescue effort. Ambulances were on the scene to take survivors for medical care.

Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the scene. He called the incident unfortunate and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

“The rescue mission started right after the collapse. By the Grace of God, some people were rescued but sadly, we lost some,” he said.

Olohungbebe also highlighted the need for good roads in residential areas. He said the access road helped emergency responders reach the site quickly.

“One reason we could rescue some people was because of the access road,” he said.

He urged residents and builders to follow building and town-planning rules, especially about keeping access roads clear.

The commissioner praised the various agencies involved for their quick response, including the Ministries of Health and Environment, SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, Civil Defence, and the Red Cross.

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that four people died and four others were rescued.

Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, spoke with The PUNCH at the scene.

“We have found four people dead and rescued four alive,” he said.

Adekunle explained that they got a distress call around 5am about the building collapse and people trapped inside.

“We quickly went to the scene and started the rescue. This situation needs more than just the fire service,” he said.

He added that staff from the Hospitals Management Board, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other emergency agencies joined the rescue.

Adekunle mentioned that they would find out why the building collapsed after a thorough assessment.

“We are here to find out what caused the collapse and to rescue those trapped. We will update the media on our findings,” he said.

He said if the building needed to be demolished, the right authorities would take action. They would also advise residents if the building was safe.

He expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and advised residents to report any signs of danger in their buildings or leave immediately if they notice anything suspicious.

The Kwara State Emergency Management Agency also confirmed four deaths and four rescues.

Magaji Saadudeen, the SEMA Secretary, said eight people were trapped in the building. He added that the rescued people and the deceased had been taken to the hospital.

“The rescued people are currently receiving treatment,” Saadudeen said.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the building that collapsed had three storeys. He noted that the part that fell was the boys’ quarters.

“It was a three-storey building that collapsed. Our findings showed that the boys’ quarters fell. Eight people were trapped in total,” he said.

Adekimi said the rescued individuals were taken to the hospital, and the bodies of those who died were also moved.

“For now, the situation is under control. We will check the remaining building to secure it. All occupants have been evacuated,” he said.

The police commissioner advised residents to watch for warning signs like leaks and defects in their buildings.

AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, the Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government Area, monitored the rescue effort. He praised the emergency teams and residents for responding quickly.

Ladan said about six to seven ambulances were sent to help with the evacuation of victims.

He urged residents to report any building problems quickly and to leave buildings if they see signs of possible collapse.

“If you notice anything like this, please act fast. Make sure to evacuate yourself and your family. Life is the most important thing,” he said.

The council chairman also advised future builders to use quality materials and hire qualified professionals, stressing that following building standards is key to preventing collapses.