The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos has risen to five, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

In a statement issued on Sunday, NEMA confirmed that 15 people had so far been rescued from the rubble.

The building, which housed a local restaurant, collapsed at about 8 a.m. on Saturday, reportedly while construction work was ongoing. Witnesses said the structure gave way shortly after some workers arrived for the day.

The South-West Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, disclosed that the bodies of three females and two males were recovered from the debris at around 1:56 a.m. on Sunday.

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“So far, 20 individuals have been accounted for. Fifteen were rescued alive—comprising six adult females and nine adult males—while five fatalities were recorded,” Farinloye said. “Search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

NEMA, via its official X handle, said it had deployed both light and heavy-duty equipment in coordination with other emergency agencies and local volunteers to expedite recovery efforts.

“Rescue operations resumed in the early hours of Sunday, 20 April 2025, following a brief two-hour pause, amid reports that one person may still be unaccounted for,” the agency noted.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) stated that its responders would continue operations until “ground zero” is reached.

“We are working with all relevant agencies and the local community to ensure a thorough response,” said Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary. “Once we reach ground zero, we will provide a full report. The governor is aware and is coordinating the response plan.”