- Location: Ruby’s Court Estate, behind Saint Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan
- Date of Collapse: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
- Emergency Response: Oyo State Fire Service arrived promptly after the report at 1:53 pm.
- Casualties: Two male persons were trapped, rescued alive; one with serious injuries taken to a nearby hospital.
- Questions Raised: Concerns about building standards and safety measures in construction projects.
Breaking News: Building Under Construction Collapses in Ibadan
Ibadan, Oyo State – In a shocking turn of events, a building under construction has collapsed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Ruby’s Court Estate, located behind Saint Anne’s School in Molete. This unfortunate event has raised concerns about safety and regulatory oversight in the construction industry.
Swift Response from the Oyo State Fire Service
Maroof Akinwande, the chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the collapse in an official statement. He stated that the emergency was reported on Tuesday, and the agency’s personnel responded swiftly to the scene.
“The emergency was reported at exactly 1:53 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Our personnel were immediately deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a storey building under construction had collapsed,” Akinwande said.
Miraculous Rescue: Two Trapped Workers Saved
In a stroke of luck, two male workers were trapped beneath the rubble but were rescued alive. One of the workers sustained serious injuries and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
What Caused the Collapse? Potential Factors
While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, several factors could have contributed to this disaster:
- Substandard Materials: The use of cheap or substandard building materials can compromise the structural integrity of a building.
- Poor Construction Practices: Inadequate supervision, unskilled labor, and failure to follow building codes can lead to structural weaknesses.
- Foundation Issues: Unstable soil conditions or improper foundation design can cause a building to collapse, especially during construction.
- Lack of Oversight: Insufficient monitoring and enforcement of building regulations by relevant authorities.
A History of Building Collapses in Nigeria
Sadly, building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria. According to a 2022 report by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), over 541 building collapses were recorded between 1974 and 2022. Lagos and Kano states accounted for the highest numbers of incidents. This trend underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
The Way Forward: Ensuring Safety in Construction
To prevent future tragedies, stakeholders in the construction industry must prioritize safety and adhere to best practices. This includes:
- Stringent Regulations: Implementing and enforcing comprehensive building codes.
- Quality Control: Ensuring the use of high-quality materials and proper construction techniques.
- Professional Supervision: Engaging qualified engineers and architects to oversee construction projects.
- Regular Inspections: Conducting thorough inspections at various stages of construction.
- Public Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of reporting substandard construction practices.
The collapse in Ibadan serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in the construction industry. It is imperative that authorities take swift action to address the root causes of these incidents and ensure the safety of lives and property.
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