Many people were reported dead and several others injured after a six-storey building belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Ikotun, Lagos collapsed on Friday.
Ambulances were seen taking people out of the collapsed structure to the Isolo General Hospital.
Policemen were on the ground dispersing crowds, who were gathered outside the gate of the collapsed building.
Eyewitnesses said the building, which usually serves as a guest house for some foreigners and people from the neighbouring African countries, collapsed at around 1.30pm.
The building, which was a four-storey building, was converted to six-storey to accommodate more visitors.
”We were all surprised with this incidence. At around 1.30pm, the building collapsed while people were inside.
“This building was a four-storey building but it was converted to seven,” an eyewitness said.
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials were on the ground immediately after the collapse.
Some officials were denied access into the premises of the church while journalists were also chased away from the scene of the incidence.
People who attempted to take pictures of the scene were harassed by members of the church.
Spokesman for NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said in a text message: “The church members have been very aggressive and tried attacking emergency responders.
“Before emergency responders’ arrival, about 15 are said to have being rescued alive and three dead.
“Rescuers have rescued three and three dead. Many are said to be trapped still”.
General Overseer of the Church, T.B. Joshua, could not be immediately reached.
A Facebook message posted by the TB Joshua Ministries on Friday however reads: “A building, not the church auditorium as was reported. The few people that were there are being rescued. What you wish to others, God wishes to you. Nothing makes us love a person as much as praying for him. The more I love you, the more I will pray for you.”
