Seven Hospitalised as Building Collapses in Ile-Ife
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Seven persons have been hospitalised following the collapse of a residential building along Ilesha Road in Ile-Ife, Osun State, with affected families appealing to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.
The incident occurred at about 9.30pm on Monday, November 9, two houses away from Hard Rock Guest House in Ife City, throwing residents of the neighbourhood into panic.
An eyewitness said an unusual sound, likened to the noise of a rapidly deflating object, was heard shortly before the building suddenly collapsed.
“We heard an unusual sound shortly before the building collapsed. It happened suddenly, and everybody around the neighbourhood became confused and frightened,” the resident said.
Following the incident, neighbours and other residents reportedly rushed to the scene to rescue occupants who might have been trapped beneath the debris and assist those injured.
Seven victims sustained injuries and were subsequently taken to different hospitals for medical attention.
While five of the victims are receiving treatment at Bello Hospital, two others are being treated at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
Although the building suffered extensive structural damage, no death was recorded in the incident. Some other occupants and residents were also reportedly said to have sustained minor injuries.
An affected family member expressed gratitude that the incident did not claim any life, despite the injuries and material losses suffered by the victims.
“We thank God that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident. Although people sustained injuries and we have suffered serious losses, we are grateful that the victims are receiving medical attention,” the family member said.
The affected families appealed to philanthropists, political leaders, government authorities, organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid, saying they had suffered significant losses and needed support to rebuild their lives.
“We are appealing to individuals, organisations and government authorities to come to our aid. We have lost so much, and we need assistance to overcome the situation and rebuild our lives,” another family representative said.
The families also expressed concern over what they described as the failure of political leaders in Ife land and representatives of the Osun State Government to visit the injured victims as of the time of filing this report.
They urged government officials and political stakeholders to visit the victims, assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary assistance.
Residents also raised concerns over the reported absence of emergency response personnel and relevant government agencies at the scene shortly after the incident.
A community member said residents had been left to organise rescue efforts and provide assistance to those affected, calling on the relevant authorities to intervene.
“Residents have been left to respond to the situation and assist those affected. We are calling on the relevant authorities to come here, assess the damage and provide the necessary intervention,” the community member said.
Meanwhile, the cause of the building collapse had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has renewed concerns about building safety and the need for regular structural assessments, strict enforcement of building regulations and routine inspections of residential properties.
The Osun State Government, emergency management agencies and relevant building-control authorities were urged to visit the scene, assess the extent of the damage and take necessary measures to prevent further danger to residents and neighbouring buildings.
