How I Escaped Death At Collapsed Alakija Plaza Tragedy
By
Ozoana Ifeoma Nwankwo
Barely 15 minutes after I left the Alakija Plaza and crossed to the other plaza to get some stuff, the building collapsed. What I witnessed afterwards changed me forever. This is my personal experience, the miracles I saw, the lives that were saved, the lives that were lost, and the lessons we must never forget.
First and foremost, I give all glory, honour, and adoration to Almighty God for preserving my life.
Barely 15 minutes after I passed through the Alakija plaza, the building collapsed. When I think about it, I cannot help but say, “Thank You, Lord.” It could have been me. It could have been anyone.
The incident reminded me how fragile life is. We make plans for the day, but only God knows what the next minute holds.
A young man who had come to see someone in the plaza became trapped beneath the rubble. By God’s mercy, he was among the first people rescued.
One rescue story that deeply touched me was that of a man popularly known as Majesty. A concerned neighbour, Chisom, popularly known as MEC, kept calling his phone. The network was poor, but she refused to give up. After about fifteen attempts, he finally answered. Crying for help, he told her he was trapped and that the only thing he could see was an air conditioner.
Without wasting time, MEC took the information to the rescue officials. They carefully searched the area around the air conditioner, and by the grace of God, Majesty and others trapped with him were rescued alive.
That experience taught me something profound: never underestimate the power of checking on someone. One persistent phone call became the difference between life and death.
Sadly, not everyone survived.
Some victims suffered severe injuries. Iron rods pierced the bodies of some, while others sustained serious injuries to their arms and legs. My heart broke when I heard that a young man named Gabriel lost his life. A teenage boy, Michael, believed to be about 14 or 15 years old, also died, along with several others.
There was a woman who had just inserted her key into her shop door when she suddenly sensed danger. She later testified that she did not even know how she escaped. According to her, it felt as though God Himself carried her and her baby away from the collapsing building.
Witnessing the tragedy also revealed the beautiful side of Nigeria.
I saw people from different tribes, religions, and backgrounds working together with one purpose—to save lives. There was no discrimination. Everyone became a rescuer. That unity and compassion gave me hope that humanity still exists.
Unfortunately, amidst the rescue efforts, some individuals allegedly took advantage of the situation to steal from victims. It made me ask myself: How can anyone think of stealing while others are fighting for their lives? It was a heartbreaking reminder that while some people risk everything to save lives, others choose selfishness.
I sincerely commend the Lagos State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, health workers, volunteers, and every good-hearted Nigerian who responded swiftly. Rescue operations were carried out with urgency, and victims were immediately taken to the Navy Hospital and other medical facilities for treatment.
I also heard reports that some families experienced difficulties accessing the bodies of their loved ones. I cannot independently verify these reports, so I hope the relevant authorities will continue to communicate clearly with affected families and ensure they receive the support, dignity, and compassion they deserve during this painful time.
One moment I will never forget was meeting a woman crying uncontrollably because her only son had died. Her pain was indescribable. I found myself weeping with her. No parent should have to bury their child.
Yesterday, the entire area was unusually quiet. Businesses remained closed, and occupants of neighbouring buildings were asked to evacuate because of concerns about the safety of older structures nearby.
This tragedy has left many lessons for all of us.
Life is a gift. Value every moment.
Check on your neighbours.
Call your loved ones.
Build with integrity.
Never compromise on safety.
And above all, put your trust in God.
May God comfort every family that lost a loved one, grant quick healing to the injured, strengthen the rescue workers, and protect every one of us from sudden tragedy.
Lord, thank You for the gift of life.
#lagos
#alakija
#jesus
#Godslove
