A wave of grief swept through Ilorin, Kwara State, as five members of the same family who lost their lives in a building collapse were laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
The victims were buried at the Muslim Cemetery in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, less than 24 hours after their bodies were recovered from the rubble of the collapsed three-storey building.
The 30-room building reportedly collapsed early Tuesday at Popo Giwa, in the Oke-Oyan area of Ilorin, trapping several people beneath the debris. Three other victims were rescued and were reportedly receiving treatment in critical condition.
Family members, friends, neighbours and sympathisers gathered at the cemetery to mourn the deceased and offer their final respects.
During the Janazah prayer, Islamic scholar and University of Ilorin lecturer, Prof. Abubakr Imam Ali-Agan, urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in their faith and accept the tragedy with patience.
He reminded mourners of the inevitability of death and encouraged the family to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad while coping with the painful loss.
The Kwara State Government was represented at the funeral by one of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s aides, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.
Scavengers Allegedly Loot Collapse Site
The tragedy was further marred by reports that some individuals allegedly took advantage of the collapse to remove valuables and materials from the debris.
Related News:
Six Family Members Rescued Alive After Three-Storey Building Collapses in Kwara
Kwara Assembly Speaker Mourns Victims of Ilorin Building Collapse
Kwara Building Collapse: Mother Found Dead With Child Clutched to Her Chest
Eyewitnesses claimed that the suspected scavengers arrived at the site as early as 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, carrying iron cutters, sledgehammers and other tools.
They were allegedly able to blend in with rescue workers before cutting iron rods and removing other valuable materials from the rubble.
Some of their activities were reportedly captured on camera, with witnesses estimating the value of materials allegedly taken from the site at more than ₦3 million.
A resident, Muhedeen Oloyinde, expressed disappointment over the alleged incident, saying it was disturbing that some people appeared more interested in profiting from the disaster while rescue efforts were ongoing.
Another resident, popularly known as Iya Bola, also questioned how the alleged scavengers were able to operate at the scene without being stopped.
Calls for Stricter Building Regulations
Mourners and residents called on the Kwara State Government to strengthen enforcement of building regulations and intensify public awareness on construction safety.
They stressed that building collapses can often be prevented through strict compliance with approved construction standards, proper supervision and effective regulatory enforcement.
Prof. Ali-Agan also urged the government to sustain public sensitisation campaigns on the causes of building collapses and ways to prevent future tragedies.
The Ilorin incident has renewed concerns over building safety and regulatory compliance in the city, with residents calling for urgent measures to prevent further loss of lives
About the Author
