Survivors of the tragic three-storey building collapse at Alakija, in Lagos State, have shared chilling accounts of how they narrowly escaped death moments before the structure came crashing down, killing at least nine people.
One of the affected shop owners, Kenneth Nwabueze, described the incident as both devastating and miraculous, revealing that he had stepped out of the building just minutes before it collapsed.
“I thank God I am alive,” he said. “If I had stayed back, I wouldn’t be here telling this story. My family would have been shattered.”
Despite his survival, Nwabueze suffered a painful loss as his apprentice was trapped in the rubble and did not make it out alive.
Recounting the events leading up to the collapse, Nwabueze explained that he arrived at his shop around 9 a.m. to complete pending jobs for clients. Shortly after, he stepped out briefly to deliver an order.
“Within five minutes, I got a call that the building had collapsed. My heart skipped,” he said. “As I rushed back, my secretary called, saying they were trapped under the rubble.”
Rescue efforts managed to save some occupants, including his secretary, but his apprentice was among those who lost their lives.
According to survivors, the collapse may have been prevented if earlier warning signs had been taken seriously.
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Nwabueze disclosed that visible cracks had appeared on the building walls days before the incident.
“We informed the landlord about the cracks last week, but nothing was done,” he said. “We never imagined the building would collapse so suddenly.”
Tenants reportedly remained in the building, hoping repairs would begin soon, as the landlord had claimed he was awaiting government approval for renovations.
Another shop owner, Jeffery Okoro, who operates a business opposite the collapsed structure, also described how narrowly he escaped.
Like Nwabueze, Okoro had briefly stepped away from the area before the collapse occurred.
“It’s painful because lives were lost, but I’m grateful to be alive,” he said. “Properties can be replaced, but life cannot.”
The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Lagos.
For survivors like Nwabueze, the lesson is clear:
“Prioritise your life over wealth. No business or money is worth your life.”
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, while calls grow louder for stricter monitoring of distressed structures across the state.
AsenExpress Insight:
This tragedy underscores a recurring issue in urban development—ignored structural warnings and delayed interventions. Stakeholders are urging both property owners and tenants to act swiftly at the first signs of building distress to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
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