Tragedy Strikes as Landlord’s Home Collapses, Claiming 14 Lives
A devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Jegede community of Ibadan, Oyo State, when a thunderstorm-stricken house collapsed, claiming the lives of 14 people, including the landlord, his family members, and patients under his care.
Pa Abdullamid Alabi, the landlord, who was rushed to Mercyland Hospital for treatment, recounted the horrific experience, still trying to process the tragic events. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around what happened,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes.
The tragedy unfolded after a 30-minute rainstorm, which was accompanied by a thunderstorm that shattered the building’s windows. Alabi, a doctor specializing in psychiatric care, was fortunate to have escaped death by a whisker, as he had stepped outside to use the bathroom around 12:10 am. Moments later, he heard the sound of the collapse, which took the lives of nearly everyone in his household, including family members and patients.
Xenial and caring, Alabi had taken in nine psychiatric patients who were undergoing rehabilitation. “They were living with us, moving freely around the house, and my family members had grown fond of them,” he remembered, his voice trembling with grief. “Nine of them lost their lives in the incident, and I’m filled with regret for not being able to save them.” He also lost his 70-year-old first wife, who was his partner since childhood.
Alabi’s sentiments were echoed by his 63-year-old sister, Jelilatu Olapade, who expressed shock and helplessness, saying, “The children who died were fast asleep when it happened. They couldn’t escape, and the family members who survived were upstairs, fortunate enough to be pulled out of the rubble.” She added that the family was currently homeless and in dire need of assistance.
The landlord extended his gratitude to the rescue teams who worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the rubble. He now finds himself seeking help from well-meaning Nigerians, as he struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss.
