Four-Storey School Building Collapses In Lagos, Students, Teachers Escape Death

S Students and teachers of a school in the Ogba area of Lagos narrowly avoided a tragic incident on Monday after a four-storey building accommodating the institution suddenly collapsed moments after everyone had been evacuated.

The building, which housed Yemco Nursery and Primary School and Yemco Comprehensive College, reportedly gave way around noon, only minutes after students and staff were moved out of the structure.

Witnesses said the building collapsed less than three minutes after the evacuation, preventing what could have resulted in heavy casualties.

The incident sparked panic in the Ogba community as residents and passersby rushed to the scene shortly after the structure crumbled.

The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. However, emergency responders and relevant authorities were alerted and are expected to begin investigations to establish what led to the incident.

Residents in the neighbourhood noted that the building had been fully occupied shortly before it collapsed, adding that the quick evacuation of students and teachers prevented a potential disaster.

Emergency officials are also expected to carry out structural checks on nearby buildings to ensure the safety of residents and occupants in the area.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as assessments continue at the site.

In a related development, a classroom building at Odokerere High School in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State collapsed in January while students were receiving lessons.

The government-owned school building reportedly gave way during school hours. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded as the students managed to escape before sustaining serious injuries.

A video of the incident that later circulated widely on social media platform X showed the scene shortly after the collapse. In the footage, a narrator expressed relief that the students were not harmed.

“This is Odokerere High School in Ikorodu. The school building collapsed while students were in class, but we thank God nothing happened,” the narrator said.

“A lot of things could have happened to those children if they had not quickly escaped and rescued themselves.”

The narrator also alleged that school authorities attempted to stop people from recording the incident.

Building collapses have continued to occur in Lagos over the years, raising persistent concerns about construction standards, regulatory enforcement, and compliance with safety regulations.