Tragedy struck in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos on Saturday, April 19, 2025, when a three-storey building located at 10, Oremeta Street suddenly collapsed, killing two and trapping several others under the rubble.
The structure, which housed the well-known Equal Right Restaurant and Bar, caved in around 9 a.m., causing panic in the area.
Rescue operations began immediately, with a joint effort by agencies including LASEMA, NEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, FRSC, Police, LASAMBUS, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
As of the latest update, 24 people had been rescued from the debris, while two were confirmed dead.
The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the building’s owner will face legal consequences.
“There is a laid-down process for investigating building collapses. The law will take its course,” Omotoso stated.
Residents told reporters that the building had been abandoned for over a decade until construction recently resumed on its top floor. Akin Popoola, a nearby resident, revealed that while the ground floor functioned as a bar and eatery, the upper levels were unoccupied.
One of the restaurant’s DJs, who narrowly escaped, recalled how he spotted cracks and falling block particles but was ignored when he tried to warn a bricklayer. “I quickly alerted a few people and rushed out. Some didn’t make it out in time,” he said.
Tragically, a family of three who had just picked up food were crushed inside their car as the structure gave way. A 22-year-old staff member, Ayomide Adebola, was also among those trapped. Her sister, overwhelmed with emotion, was seen weeping at the site, hoping for a miracle.
Another eyewitness, Waheed Opeloyeru, shared that a customer had briefly stepped out to withdraw money, only to return and find his brother buried under the rubble.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that the rescue team arrived at 9:52 a.m. and had so far saved eight individuals. “We’re proceeding cautiously, layer by layer, to avoid harming those still trapped,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Fire Service’s spokesperson, Mr. Shakiru Amodu, noted that the structure’s long-term abandonment could have contributed to the disaster. He stressed that leaving buildings vacant for years can lead to severe deterioration and eventual collapse.
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