A building collapse in Osogbo, Osun State, has trapped at least three people under the rubble, with two others having been rescued.

The unfinished structure, reportedly used by hoodlums for illicit activities, collapsed around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Sabo area.

A local resident and member of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service reported hearing a loud noise as the building suddenly gave way.

He stated, “The incident happened between 7:30 and 8:am this morning (Sunday). A loud sound was heard. The house is not being inhabited by anyone. But some people usually hide there to smoke or gamble. Some people were trapped.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, the Osun State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported that two individuals have been successfully rescued from the rubble, while three others remain trapped under the decking.

The statement provided an update on the ongoing rescue efforts, highlighting the NSCDC’s role in responding to the building collapse incident.

“While we await the crane, people are doing all they can within their physical capacity to break the decking and connected rods,” Adeleke said.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has stressed the crucial need for obtaining approved building plans to guarantee construction standards and prevent unnecessary loss of life and injury.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke cautioned developers and residents against constructing buildings without proper authorisation, warning that structures that compromise human safety will be demolished. He emphasised the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to building regulations to avoid such tragedies.

“A building plan is not an optional step in the construction process as it prevents substandard houses that frequently collapse and pose safety risks to occupants and the environment,” the governor said.