Worshippers escape unhurt as building under construction collapses onto RCCG church in Lagos.
LASEMA begins probe into cause as incident highlights ongoing concerns over construction safety.
Worshippers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Liberty Parish in Shomolu, Lagos, had a narrow escape on Monday, June 16, 2025, when part of a two-storey building under construction collapsed and fell onto their church building. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The incident occurred at No. 5 Craig Street, off Apata Road in the Shomolu area of Lagos, and was confirmed by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the building collapse happened while construction workers were in the process of decking one of the floors of the new structure.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that the structure was one of two buildings being erected at the site,” Oke-Osanyintolu said in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He explained that construction materials, particularly concrete pillars from the collapsed portion of the building, fell onto the adjacent RCCG Liberty Parish church, causing significant damage to the church property. However, all church members who were present at the time managed to escape without injury.
“There were no casualties. Workers had reportedly evacuated the site before the arrival of emergency responders, and the church worshippers also escaped unhurt,” the LASEMA boss added.
The prompt response of emergency services helped to secure the scene and ensure no one was trapped under the debris. Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that a coordinated search and rescue operation was immediately carried out, and no individuals were found to be missing or trapped beneath the rubble.
He further disclosed that the site of the collapse has been cordoned off to prevent secondary incidents, including potential injuries from unstable structures. Residents and passersby were advised to steer clear of the area for their safety, pending a full structural assessment and removal of the debris.
While the immediate cause of the building collapse is still unknown, LASEMA has promised that a detailed investigation will be carried out to determine what led to the failure of the construction. Concerns have also been raised about the structural integrity of ongoing building projects in the area, especially those close to residential or religious structures.
“This is another stark reminder of the importance of proper supervision and adherence to safety standards during construction,” said a local resident who witnessed the aftermath. “We are grateful to God that no lives were lost, but things could have gone very differently.”
Incidents of building collapses have remained a recurring problem in Lagos, often attributed to poor engineering practices, substandard materials, and non-compliance with regulatory approvals. The Lagos State government has repeatedly emphasized the need for contractors and developers to follow proper procedures and obtain necessary permits before construction.
As investigations begin, LASEMA has assured the public that measures will be taken to avoid future occurrences. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety protocols and ensuring that construction sites are regularly inspected.
