The number of fatalities from the three-storey building that caved in at Alakija along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has risen to nine after LASEMA wrapped up rescue operations Friday.

LASEMA spokesperson Olawale Afolabi said one more body was pulled from the rubble overnight, moving the death toll from eight to nine. A total of 27 people were rescued alive, with victims given pre-hospital care by LASAMBUS before being moved to nearby hospitals.

The building collapsed around 11:40 a.m. Thursday, triggering a joint rescue effort by LASEMA, sister agencies and community members. Of the nine dead, four adults were confirmed deceased before responders arrived, while five others, including a two-year-old girl, were recovered later. All remains were handed to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for identification and family release. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered LASBCA to immediately check the structural integrity of adjoining buildings and enforce compliance, while LASEMA urged residents to report distressed structures via toll-free lines 112 or 767.