Rescue efforts continue at collapsed building in Ibadan

COLLAPSED-BUILDING-IN IBADAN

No fewer than 23 persons were trapped in a three-storey building under construction which collapsed in Ibadan on Friday, witnesses said.

The building was said to have caved in around 5.30 p.m. on Friday at Sogoye area of Molete, Ibadan.

A witness, David Aderibigbe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 23 workers and two food vendors were trapped in the building.

One of the survivors, 19-year-old Toheeb Gbadamosi said: “Today is my first time of working at this place. I just came around in order to raise some money for my upkeep because things are difficult. I thank God that I came out of the rubble alive.”

Officials of the fire service, Red Cross and police personnel have arrived at the scene to help rescue victims.

Spokesman for Oyo State Government, Toye Arulogun, said the government was spearheading rescue efforts.

Mr Arulogun said: “We have deployed two excavators there. Our officials are right there now, to rescue trapped victims. There is no cause for alarm.”

There is no official figure yet of people rescued from the rubbles and of casualties.