Chaos erupted over the weekend as a popular event center collapsed during a burial ceremony in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, leaving six people seriously injured and a scene of devastation. The F and G Event Centre, bustling with over 250 attendees, saw its roof and walls crumble during the event, causing a stampede and panic among the guests.
The injured victims were swiftly rushed to a local hospital for medical attention, though thankfully, no fatalities were reported. The collapse left the auditorium strewn with spilled food, shattered bottles, discarded shoes, caps, wigs, and headgear, highlighting the extent of the chaos.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, expressed his condolences to the victims and personally visited the site alongside his Deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye. The Governor, visibly disturbed by the incident, emphasized the need for thorough supervision and certification of public buildings at every stage of construction to prevent such unfortunate incidents. He acknowledged that proper scrutiny and compliance with building specifications could have averted the catastrophe.
Deputy Governor Afuye, speaking to sympathizers, stressed the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives and prevent future disasters. She pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring emergency management equipment is readily available across all local governments to respond swiftly to any crisis.
“As a responsible government, we won’t wait for tragedies to strike before taking action. We must ensure that all government agencies are diligent in their duties to protect the lives of our citizens,” she asserted.
Mr. Olajide Borode, the Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), confirmed that Fire Services were promptly dispatched to the scene upon receiving distress calls. He also mentioned that an Integrity test would be conducted on the building to determine if it could be salvaged or needed to be demolished.
Local lawmaker, Mr. Ademola Ojo, praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing citizen safety and recounted the harrowing incident. He described how the roof and plaster of Paris (POP) suddenly caved in, leading to the stampede and injuries. Ojo commended the swift response of local authorities and rescue teams in aiding those trapped under the debris.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to construction standards and thorough building inspections to prevent such tragic accidents from recurring.