Anxiety as another building collapses in Osun

Residents of the Sabo area in Osogbo, Osun state, were shaken on Sunday as an abandoned building, allegedly inhabited by hoodlums, collapsed.

According to The Nation, the collapse happened at 7:30 a.m., trapping five people inside the structure.

The structure, an unfinished and neglected storey building, had been used by various criminal elements as a hideout before its collapse.

A local resident, Tunde, described the building as a notorious spot for cultists and other miscreants, noting that it had been raided several times by security forces prior to the incident.

“As I speak, security operatives and rescue teams are on the scene. They have brought a crane to assist in the rescue efforts and have already rescued three individuals from the debris,” Tunde said.

Kehinde Adeleke, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State, confirmed the incident.

“In a report dated June 10, 2024, we highlighted the dangers posed by this uncompleted building near AUD Primary School in Sabo Elegun, recommending immediate action by the task force and environmental authorities,” she stated. “This morning, the building collapsed at approximately 7:30 am, trapping five people inside.”

“Two individuals have been rescued so far, while the remaining three are still trapped under the debris, requiring a crane for their extraction. While we await the crane, efforts are being made by locals to break through the decking and connected rods. Present at the scene are the Local Government Area chairman, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), NSCDC, police, OSEMA, and other government officials,” Adeleke added.

Rescue operations continue as authorities strive to ensure the safety of those still trapped.