Seven people have been injured following the collapse of a building under construction at the Cathedral area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The incident occurred beside the former All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, triggering panic as emergency responders rushed to rescue victims trapped under the rubble.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, said the state government has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.
Mr. Olajide warned developers against the use of substandard building materials, stressing that such practices endanger lives and property.
He urged builders to comply strictly with approved construction standards and obtain all necessary permits before embarking on projects.
The commissioner disclosed that the construction site has been sealed, adding that appropriate sanctions will be applied against anyone found culpable after investigations.
The injured victims were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while security agencies have cordoned off the area to prevent further incidents.
Reporting by Animasaun Kayode