NEMA says death toll hits five in Lagos building collapse

The death toll from a three storey building that collapsed in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos has risen to five.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 20 persons were rescued fro the rubble of the collapsed structure.

Territorial Coordinator of NEMA in the South-West Region, Ibrahim Farinloye, on Sunday morning, said a total of 20 victims were rescued from the site.

“Unfortunately, five dead bodies were recovered, which comprises of three females and two adult males,” he added.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which initially reported one death during Saturday’s rescue operation at the incident site, updated Sunday morning with news of four additional fatalities.

Permanent Secretary of LASEMA,, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement on Sunday stated that five adult fatalities were recovered and taken to the morgue.

He however said the number of rescued individuals remained at 13, as reported on Saturday and that the survivors were receiving pre-hospital care.

“All first responders remain on the scene to continue search and rescue operations. Further updates to follow,” Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said.

But Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in response to inquiries from our correspondent on Saturday, said: “23 rescued. 2 dead.”