A landlord in Unity Estate, Alagbole-Akute, Ogun State, narrowly escaped serious injury on Tuesday after a telecommunication mast crashed onto his building during a heavy rainstorm.
The incident occurred around 2:39 p.m., when severe weather caused a mast belonging to IHS Company, located in Ajuwon, Akute, to collapse. The structure fell directly onto the residential property, damaging several sections of the house. Despite being inside at the time, the landlord suffered only minor injuries and is now in stable condition after receiving prompt medical attention.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement released Wednesday. “According to an 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. Fortunately, the landlord, who was inside the house at the time of the incident, survived with minor bruises. He was promptly attended to by medical personnel and is confirmed to be in stable condition,” Odutola stated.
Following the event, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, directed area commanders to engage with companies owning masts near residential areas. The goal is to assess the structural integrity of these installations and ensure the safety of residents. The police have also launched a preliminary investigation and promised to keep the public informed of any developments.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially during adverse weather, and to report any structures that appear unstable. The police command emphasized its commitment to public safety and called for cooperation from both telecom companies and the community.
No fatalities were reported, but the incident has raised concerns about the safety of masts located close to homes, particularly during Nigeria’s rainy season.
