Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building in Ajuwon, Ifo Local Government Area, warning that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations or compromised construction standards would face prosecution.

The building, located on Baale Road, collapsed on Monday afternoon following a heavy downpour accompanied by severe thunderstorms, killing one person while several other occupants escaped.

According to preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team, the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only parts of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 3 p.m., shortly after the storm. Two women and their children reportedly fled the building after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he escaped moments before the building gave way.

Emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, were deployed to the scene for coordinated search-and-rescue operations.

Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also mobilised heavy equipment to assist rescue efforts shortly after the collapse.

Although initial searches did not uncover any victims, emergency personnel intensified excavation after discovering traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble. The operation later led to the recovery of one body, whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

The investigation team said while adverse weather conditions preceded the collapse, the precise cause could not be immediately established. It noted that detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would be required to determine whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials or other factors.

Governor Abiodun subsequently directed experts from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to conduct detailed structural assessments, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials and inspect adjoining buildings for possible structural defects.

Expressing sadness over the incident, the governor, in a statement through his special adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with others affected by the collapse.

He also commended emergency responders, volunteers and members of the community for their swift intervention, which he said helped rescue several occupants and minimise further casualties.

Abiodun assured residents that the state government would support those affected while investigations continue, stressing that anyone found to have breached approved building plans or violated construction regulations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Ogun State Government also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between both states in safeguarding lives and property.

The government reiterated its commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and urged developers, builders and property owners to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing construction and to comply fully with approved building plans and specifications.

It warned that unauthorised alterations to approved designs, the use of substandard materials and non-compliance with construction standards remain major causes of avoidable structural failures and pose serious risks to lives and property.