Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has expressed concern over the building collapse in Jegede community, Ona Ara local government of Oyo State which has left 13 dead and several injured. The building collapsed after hours of rainfall on Thursday.

He described the incident as shocking as among those affected were women and children.

In a statement issued on Friday to condole with victims, the Minister said; “the tragic collapse of a building in Jegede community in our State, resulting in the loss of 13 precious lives, has left us all in shock and grief. Knowing the effect of such tragedy, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Oyo State and the entire nation.

“This devastating incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of our infrastructure. As a nation, we must come together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future”

Adelabu urged all stakeholders, including builders, architects, and government agencies, to prioritize safety and adhere to strict building codes and regulations.

“We must also invest in regular inspections and maintenance to prevent such disasters”, he said.

He advised the State government to investigate the cause of the collapse and design measures to prevent similar incidents in the future adding that existing building codes and regulations should be reviewed to ensure they are robust and effective.

“In this tragic time, I stand in solidarity with the people and families of the victims. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may we emerge from this tragedy with a renewed commitment to safety and accountability”.