News

Several Injured, Properties Lost as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos; Tenants Blame Landlord’s Brother

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 4th, 2025.

Several Injured, Properties Lost as Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos; Tenants Blame Landlord’s Brother

A tragic building collapse early Thursday morning on Adeniji Adele Road, near Sasi Palace in Isale Eko, Lagos Island, left several occupants injured and properties destroyed. Eyewitnesses say the three-storey structure caved in around 6:15 a.m., trapping residents inside.

At least eight individuals reportedly sustained serious injuries—some with suspected neck and spinal injuries—and were rushed to Zenith Hospital and the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.

In an exclusive interview with FirstClassGists at the site of the incident, distressed tenants accused the landlord’s brother, identified as Hakim Osira, of initiating demolition activities without proper notice, which they claim triggered the collapse.

“The house belongs to the Asesi family. We were never informed of any plan to renovate or demolish the building,” said one elderly female resident, visibly shaken. “In fact, between September and December last year, we paid one year’s rent, many of which are still active and will expire towards the end of 2025.”

According to another resident who lived on the first floor, there was a previous arrangement involving a developer, but it ended in December 2024. Since then, tenants resumed paying rent directly to the landlord.

“No formal notice of demolition was given. It was only in April this year that we started hearing rumors from neighbors that the house might be pulled down. Yet, rent was still being collected from us—some people even paid as recently as six months ago.”

The residents allege that last week, Hakim Osira—who they say they had never dealt with—arrived and ordered everyone out of the building, warning it was at risk of collapse. He reportedly began dismantling structures on the ground floor, including support pillars, without coordinating with occupants.

“By this morning, the rear section of the building gave way and collapsed,” the resident said. “Since then, both our landlord, Kabiru, and his brother have disappeared. They haven’t come near the scene.”

Multiple tenants interviewed by FirstClassGists said this wasn’t the first time the brothers had handled tenants with alleged disregard. “They’ve done this before. They collect rent, then force people out without proper notice or alternatives,” one tenant said.

Police officers from the Lagos Command reportedly visited the scene and attempted to locate both Kabiru and Hakim, but were unsuccessful.

Although residents said eight individuals were critically injured, an official from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Henry Adegoke, confirmed only four injuries. Speaking to FirstClassGists, Adegoke described the building as “overstressed and structurally compromised,” noting it had been marked for evacuation and demolition.

“Some tenants complied and moved out. Unfortunately, those who remained behind were affected. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded,” he said.

When asked whether proper eviction procedures were followed, Adegoke insisted that notices were issued well in advance, though residents strongly contest this claim.

One female tenant, who suffered bruises after falling from the first floor during the collapse, lamented, “We didn’t even have time to save any of our belongings. Everything is gone—furniture, clothes, appliances. We barely made it out alive.”

Tensions remain high at the scene as emergency officials continue rescue and clearing operations. Efforts by FirstClassGists to speak with the injured victims at Zenith Hospital were unsuccessful. Hospital staff cited privacy rules and directed reporters to obtain clearance from the local government before granting access to patients.

The Lagos State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.