Ilorin Building Collapse: 4 Rescued Alive as 8 Feared Trapped While They Slept

Four people have been pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed three-storey building in Ilorin, Kwara State, as rescuers race against time to reach at least eight others feared trapped beneath the debris.

Four people were rescued alive after a three-storey building collapsed at Popo-Giwa, Masalasi Gogoro, off Aikobi Road, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. At least eight other people were feared trapped under the rubble, while emergency agencies and residents continued rescue operations.

ILORIN, Kwara State — Four people have been rescued alive after a three-storey building collapsed in the Popo-Giwa, Masalasi Gogoro area, off Aikobi Road, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The building reportedly collapsed at about 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, sending residents into panic as occupants were believed to be inside when the structure came down.

According to reports, the four victims were eventually pulled alive from the rubble after residents, emergency responders and security personnel mobilised to the scene.

However, at least eight other people were feared trapped under the debris as of the time of filing this report.

Rescue workers were still searching the rubble in an urgent effort to locate possible survivors.
Residents join frantic rescue operation
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when many residents were still asleep.

As a result, the sudden collapse triggered fears that several people could have been trapped inside the building.

Residents reportedly rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse. They began assisting with the rescue effort before emergency agencies arrived.

Their early intervention helped create access through parts of the rubble.

Emergency personnel later joined the operation and took over the search for possible survivors.

The four rescued occupants were brought out alive and handed over for necessary attention.
However, their identities and the extent of their injuries were not immediately known.

Meanwhile, rescue workers continued to clear the debris in search of other occupants.

Children, nursing mothers feared trapped
The rescue operation became even more urgent following reports that children and nursing mothers may have been inside the building when it collapsed.

Sources familiar with the incident said the presence of vulnerable occupants had heightened fears over the possible number of casualties.

Nevertheless, the exact number of people inside the building remained unclear.
Initial reports suggested that at least eight people were still trapped. However, emergency officials were expected to conduct a detailed assessment to determine the actual number of occupants.

The situation remained fluid as rescuers worked to reach areas of the rubble where survivors were believed to be trapped.

Emergency agencies deployed
The Kwara State Fire Service was among the agencies deployed to the scene.

The personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also joined the rescue operation.

Officials of the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency were equally at the scene.
Residents continued to assist emergency workers as portions of the debris were carefully removed.

The operation was being conducted with caution because unstable sections of the collapsed structure could pose additional risks to rescuers.

Authorities were also expected to assess nearby structures and the surrounding area to prevent further danger.

Cause of Ilorin building collapse unknown
The immediate cause of the Ilorin building collapse had not been established as of press time.

Authorities had yet to issue an official explanation for the failure of the three-storey structure.

Building collapses in Nigeria can result from several factors, including structural defects, poor workmanship, substandard materials, foundation problems and unauthorised alterations.

However, no specific cause should be attributed to Tuesday’s collapse until an official investigation is completed.

The relevant authorities are expected to examine the building and determine whether approved construction standards were followed.

Residents were also advised to stay away from unstable portions of the collapsed structure.
They were urged to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction.

Rescue operation continues

For now, the priority remains finding anyone who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The rescue of four people alive has offered some relief amid fears over those still missing.

Emergency responders were expected to continue searching until the affected sections had been adequately cleared.

Authorities would also need to establish the actual number of people who were inside the building when it collapsed.

The incident has once again raised concerns about building safety and structural compliance in Nigeria.

As the rescue operation continued in the Popo-Giwa, Masalasi Gogoro area of Ilorin, residents and emergency workers remained hopeful that more survivors would be found.