Students, teachers escape as four-storey school building collapses in Lagos

Students and teachers narrowly escaped death on Monday after a four-storey building housing a school collapsed in the Ogba area of Lagos.

The structure, which accommodated Yemco Nursery and Primary School and Yemco Comprehensive College, reportedly collapsed around noon shortly after occupants were evacuated from the premises.

Witnesses said the building gave way less than three minutes after students and staff were moved out, averting what could have resulted in significant casualties.

The incident caused panic among residents and passersby, many of whom rushed to the scene after the structure collapsed.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known, but emergency responders and local authorities have been alerted and are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Residents in the area said the building had been fully occupied shortly before the evacuation, noting that the timely removal of students and teachers prevented a potential tragedy.

Emergency officials are also expected to assess nearby buildings to ensure the safety of residents and other occupants.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report, while emergency teams continued assessments at the site.

The incident comes months after a similar case in January when a classroom building at Odokerere High School in Ikorodu collapsed during school hours. No casualties were recorded as pupils managed to escape before sustaining serious injuries.

Building collapses remain a recurring problem in Lagos, raising concerns about construction standards, regulatory oversight, and compliance with safety regulations.