Two children were rescued on Thursday after a two-storey residential building collapsed in Ilorin, Kwara State. The incident occurred around 9:10 a.m. on Ajegunle Street, off Sabo-Line in the Isale area, involving a six-flat structure.
According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the children, Ahmad (8) and Hussainat (10), were trapped in the debris but were pulled out by residents before emergency responders arrived. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Firefighters immediately began salvage operations, recovering clothes, electronics, food items, and important documents from accessible sections of the building. The agency noted that while lives were saved, property damage was extensive.
Following an on-site assessment, the Fire Service raised concerns about the safety of surrounding structures. It recommended that the Disaster Management Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) seal off the collapsed building and issue a seven-day ultimatum to evacuate an adjacent property found to be structurally unsafe. The NSCDC acted swiftly, sealing the affected building and enforcing the evacuation of the neighbouring one.
Authorities disclosed that warnings had been issued earlier about the deteriorating condition of the collapsed building. The caretaker was reportedly notified of structural defects before the incident, but failed to take corrective action.
The Director of the Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, supervised operations at the site and coordinated with other emergency agencies. He urged property owners and residents to conduct regular structural integrity assessments and respond promptly to warning signs such as cracks or visible weaknesses.
Muhammed stressed that early intervention could prevent avoidable tragedies and safeguard lives. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring public safety across the state.
The collapse highlights ongoing concerns about building safety in Nigeria, where poor construction practices and neglect of maintenance often lead to disasters. Emergency officials continue to warn that unchecked structural defects pose serious risks to communities.
Residents in Ilorin and beyond are being reminded to take preventive measures seriously, as enforcement agencies intensify efforts to identify unsafe buildings and avert future incidents. The rescue of the two children underscores the importance of community vigilance and rapid response in emergencies, but officials insist that prevention remains the most effective safeguard.
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