Four people are feared dead and four others have been rescued after part of a two-storey building collapsed in Ilorin, Kwara State, early Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred at about 5:08 a.m. in the Masalasi Gogoro area of Popo-Giwa/Abemi, within Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The approximately 26-room building reportedly collapsed across eight rooms, trapping eight occupants beneath the rubble.
The victims were identified as Muhammed Bolakale, 55; Fasilat, 53; Mistura, 28; Barakat, 26; Zainab, 23; Hajia, 15; Muqtar, 7; and Fridaos, 10.
Four Rescued Alive
The Kwara State Fire Service said its personnel began search-and-rescue operations immediately after arriving at the scene.
Four occupants were pulled out alive, while four others were recovered and were suspected to have died in the collapse.
Firefighters were joined by multiple emergency agencies in the operation, including the Federal Fire Service, NSCDC Disaster Management Department, Emergency Ambulance Services, State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Other agencies involved included the Hospital Management Bureau, Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency, Life Glide Ambulance and the state Ministry of Environment.
Two excavators were deployed to assist with the careful removal of debris and open access to sections where victims were believed to be trapped.
Fire Service Warns Against Structural Neglect
The Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFO Alabi Muhammed, praised the firefighters for what he described as a difficult rescue operation, commending their courage and professionalism.
He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders.
The fire service said an assessment of the collapsed structure indicated that it was unsafe and unsuitable for habitation, with the building apparently unable to withstand the pressure on its structural components.
The agency urged residents to report warning signs such as cracks, structural weaknesses and other indications of building distress before they develop into emergencies.
Property owners were also advised to arrange regular structural assessments and maintenance by qualified professionals.
The agency stressed that early intervention could help prevent building failures and the avoidable loss of lives and property.