A landlord narrowly escaped death on Tuesday when a communication mast collapsed on his residential building in the Akute area of Ogun State. The incident, which occurred around 2:39 pm, was attributed to severe weather conditions that compromised the structural integrity of the mast.

According to police reports, the communication mast belonged to IHS Company and was located in Ajuwon, Akute. The structure fell directly onto a residential building in Unity Estate, Alagbole, causing significant damage to the property.

Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to BenriNews on Wednesday, stating that it was reported by one Mr. Moses Olalere. "According to his eyewitness account, a communication mast belonging to IHS Company collapsed due to the severe weather conditions. The mast fell on a residential building in Unity Estate, Alagbole," Odutola explained.

Despite the severity of the collapse, the landlord who was inside the house at the time miraculously survived with only minor bruises. "He was promptly attended to by medical personnel and is confirmed to be in stable condition," the police spokesperson added.

Call for Safety Measures

In response to this potentially fatal incident, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has issued an urgent appeal to companies that own communication masts near residential areas. The commissioner emphasized the need for these companies to thoroughly assess the structural integrity of their installations to ensure the safety of lives and property.

This incident highlights growing concerns about the placement of telecommunications infrastructure in residential areas across Nigeria, particularly as extreme weather events become more common. Local residents have expressed worry about similar structures in their neighborhoods that may pose similar risks during adverse weather conditions.

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the collapse to determine if proper maintenance protocols were being followed by IHS Company and whether additional safety measures need to be implemented for similar installations throughout the state.