A mosque in the Papa Ajao area of Lagos has collapsed during afternoon prayers, leading to a frantic rescue effort by local residents.
Photos and videos shared on social media show the mosque reduced to rubble, with community members desperately trying to help those trapped inside.
The Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident. According to Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s permanent secretary, LASEMA teams arrived at the scene around 1:40pm.
He said that initial investigations indicate that the collapse occurred after an excavator, clearing the nearby road, accidentally struck the one-storey building.
“Four victims were immediately rushed to the hospital. A total of 10 people were trapped beneath the rubble,” the statement reads.
“Search and Rescue of the victims trapped under the rubbles under the supervision of the PS was conducted with the aid of the Agency’s heavy duty equipment Crane, Hiab and an excavator.
“One adult was retrieved dead while the others received pre hospital care on the scene from the Agency’s Pre Hospital Care Unit. One with serious injuries was transferred to a hospital.
“Responders at the scene of the incident includes the Agency’s response team led by the PS, LRU Fire unit, Lagos State Fire Service,LASPA, LASBCA, NEMA, Nigeria Police, LNSC, FRSC and LASAMBUS.”