Three people have died while five others were rescued after a two-storey commercial building collapsed in Owode-Ede, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Friday at Zone 8, Oke Alaafia Community, where the building, which housed shops and stores, suddenly collapsed.
Residents reportedly alerted a security operative, who contacted the Federal Fire Service for assistance.
A resident, identified as Juliet, said eight people were trapped in the building when the incident occurred.
The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Olamide Ojo, confirmed the incident, describing the collapsed structure as “a two-storey shopping complex used for commercial purposes. The building consists of six shops on the upper floor, six shops on the middle floor and two stores on the ground floor, covering an area of about 50m by 100m.”
She explained, “Preliminary investigation reveals that structural defects and the use of substandard materials are suspected to be the cause of the collapse.”
Ojo said five victims were rescued alive and taken to Idera Specialist Hospital, Ede, for medical treatment, while three others were recovered, suspected dead, and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, A Division, Ede.
She added that the rescue operation involved personnel of the Osun State Fire Service, Ede Station, working alongside the Federal Fire Service.
“The search and rescue operation was completed, and the appliance with men returned to the station at about 09:26 AM on 31st October, 2026. Estimated property loss was put at ₦100 million, while property worth approximately ₦150 million was saved.”
The fire service spokesperson expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and urged residents to adhere to approved building standards and promptly report emergencies.
