The death toll from the collapsed three-storey building at Ebute Meta, Lagos, as at Monday morning has risen to five, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials say.
Reports have it that an old three-storey building collapsed at No. 24 Ibadan Street, Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Meta, on Sunday night at about 10.56 p.m.
The Zonal Coordinator Southwest, NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, told our correspondent in Lagos that the deceased persons included three males and two females.
The number of rescued occupants remained 23.
Rescue operations are ongoing at the site of the incident in search of four of the remaining occupants of the building.
In other news ,An Islamic cleric, Malam Ambali Rabiu, has urged Muslims faithful to use the period of Eid-el- Fitr Salah celebration to pray for peaceful coexistence, unity, and national development.
Rabiu, who is also the Chief Imam, Yoruba Muslims Community, Tunga Maje, near Zuba, Abuja, gave the advice at the Salah praying ground at Tunga Maje in Abuja.
“Government alone, without the support of the citizenry, cannot build a society where everyone is free, and safe without fear of any form of violence.
“We must come together in unity and pray to ensure a secure and progressive nation,’’ the cleric said.
He urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers and to continue to build a vibrant nation that would be the pride of all.
Rabiu, who urged Nigerians to be agents and promoters of peace, said one of the teachings of Islam is peace.
“Muslims must live in accordance with the teaching of Islam,’’ he said.
According to him, there will be no progress in the country if there is no peace.
“Islam prohibits disgrace, shedding of human blood, and deprivation of people’s rights,’’ he said.
According to him, religious leaders should inculcate moral values in children to rid the country of violence and terrorism.