How 80-year-old Native Doctor Lost Five Grandchildren in Ibadan Building Collapse

An 80-year-old native doctor, Lamidi Babare, is grappling with the devastating loss of five of his grandchildren following a building collapse in the Yegede-Foworogun area of Ibadan on Thursday. The incident resulted in a total of ten fatalities, with over nine others sustaining injuries.

Babare, who is receiving treatment at MercylanAd Hospital, was operating a one-storey building that served as both his home and a mental care facility. Many of his patients, some of whom were among the deceased, were being treated there.

According to Yidiat, one of Babare’s wives, he had just left the restroom when the structure collapsed around 1 a.m. on Thursday, shortly after heavy rainfall. “Baba was downstairs arranging chairs in the reception hall when it happened. He narrowly escaped, but tragically, five of his grandchildren and some patients did not,” she recounted.

The building had long been a site for individuals seeking mental health treatment, attracting patients from distant areas. Yidiat expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We appeal to the governor for assistance; Baba has lost everything he built over seven decades.”

Rev. Akinremi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed that emergency services received a distress call around 2 a.m. and reported the recovery of ten bodies from the wreckage, with seven survivors rescued.

Mr. Williams Akin-Funmlayo, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his condolences. He remarked, “This building shows clear signs of distress. It’s evident that it should not have been occupied. Recent measures by Governor Seyi Makinde include a building amnesty aimed at ensuring structures have proper approvals, which this building lacked.”

Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, provided an update on the response efforts. “I was informed of the collapse around 2 a.m. and coordinated a swift rescue operation, resulting in nine survivors being transported to various hospitals,” he stated.

Despite the ongoing investigations, the community is left mourning the loss. The police have heightened security in the area to deter looting and ensure the safety of remaining residents.