In the early hours of this morning, at approximately 1:45 am, a devastating building collapsed in the Jegeda Olunloyo area of Odugbede, Ona Ara Local Government, claimed the lives of nine individuals and left seven others injured.
The incident was confirmed by the Ona Ara Emergency Alert through the Oyo State Fire Service. Chief Fire Superintendent Jimoh, who led the rescue operation, reported that three survivors had been rescued by local residents before the fire team’s arrival. The team successfully pulled an additional four people from the rubble, bringing the total number of survivors to seven, alongside the tragic toll of nine confirmed fatalities.
Dr. Temitope Kolapo GLORIOUS, the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, immediately mobilized all relevant emergency stakeholders in response to the incident. The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Odukoya, joined Dr. Glorious at the scene, where he expressed profound sympathy for the victims and their families. He also announced plans for a comprehensive integrity test of older buildings across Ona Ara Local Government to prevent future occurrences.
Other key agencies were also on the scene, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Sonubi Oluyemi Ayodele; the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Akin-Funmilayo Williams; the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Director General, Oyo State Road and Traffic Management OYRTMA.
In a coordinated response, the Oyo State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Ona Ara Local Government, has ensured the evacuation and medical care of all affected individuals for safety reasons.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims and their families in this time of grief. Further information and updates will be provided as they become available.
