The police and relevant government agencies have begun rescue operation to save scores of victims trapped in a three-storey building that collapsed in the Molete area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
It was gathered that the building went down around 5:45pm when bricklayers and other artisans on site were rounding off for the day’s work on Friday. The number of victims are still sketchy.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Government spokesman, Mr. Toye Arulogun, said “We have deployed two excavators there. Our officials are right there now, to rescue trapped victims. There is no cause for alarm.”
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The three-storey building, which was said to be under construction, suddenly collapsed, injuring several people, and trapping others.
Also, four of those who were trapped in the rubble were rescued an hour after.
One of the survivors, Toheeb Gbadamosi, 19, said, “Today is my first time of working in this place. I just came around in order to raise some money for my upkeep because things were difficult. I thank God that I came out of the rubble alive”.
Other survivors include 42-year-old Olalekan Dauda; Tunde and Rilwan Oladepo.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the rescuers identified as Aafa Mojeed Agbaje, whose two relatives (Tunde and Oladepo) were involved in the collapse, said “I am worried because other people that I know are presently in the wreckage. Tunde sustained injuries on his face and limbs. We have taken him to Molete Hospital and he is recuperating.”