Two children rescued as building collapses in Ilorin

Two children have been rescued following the collapse of a two-storey residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

 

The incident occurred on Thursday morning at Ajegunle Street, off Sabo-Line in the Isale area, involving a six-flat structure.

 

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the children—identified as Ahmad and Hussainat—were initially trapped but were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital before emergency responders arrived.

 

The agency’s spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters immediately began salvage operations, recovering valuables including clothes, electronics, and important documents from the debris.

 

Following an on-site assessment, authorities raised concerns about the safety of nearby buildings and recommended urgent preventive measures.

 

The Disaster Management Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) subsequently sealed off the collapsed structure and issued a seven-day evacuation notice to occupants of a neighbouring building deemed unsafe.

 

Officials also revealed that prior warnings had been issued regarding the deteriorating condition of the building before the collapse.

 

The Director of the Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, who supervised the rescue efforts, urged property owners to carry out regular structural checks and act promptly on signs of building defects.

 

He emphasised that timely intervention can prevent avoidable disasters and save lives.