Four residents narrowly escaped death when a three-storey building partially collapsed on Adeniji-Adele Road in the Isale Eko area of Lagos. The incident occurred shortly after the early morning Muslim prayer, affecting the rear section of a structure known locally as Sasi Palace.
The building had been previously marked for demolition due to visible signs of structural distress, including deep cracks and aging support beams. Authorities had warned residents about the dangers, but many continued living there due to the high cost of housing alternatives in Lagos Island. Some tenants reportedly paid up to N1.4 million annually for self-contained units, despite earning less than N100,000 per month.
Emergency services responded swiftly, including officers from state traffic, building control, and emergency management agencies. The four individuals rescued were treated for minor injuries and shock.
Following the incident, the remaining occupants were evacuated, and the affected building was demolished to prevent further danger. Two adjoining structures showing similar instability were also taken down.
A resident expressed frustration over the situation, saying that while the government discourages illegal activity, it has failed to provide safe and affordable housing options. The collapse adds to the growing list of structural failures in Lagos, drawing renewed attention to poor enforcement of building regulations and the desperation that forces people to risk their lives for shelter.
