Residents of an apartment building in Banana Island were rescued after being trapped inside an elevator for more than an hour, following a successful emergency response by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.
The incident drew public attention after a video circulated widely on social media showing several occupants inside the lift raising alarm while seeking help.
In the footage, the residents appeared visibly distressed and sweating as they pleaded for assistance.
According to a social media user who shared the video, the incident occurred in an apartment complex located near the Banana Island School Apartment.
The individual claimed that those trapped in the lift had reached out to the landlord’s daughter for help but were reportedly told that the building management would look into the situation.
In the video, one of the occupants said, “We are currently trapped inside the lift at the Banana Island School apartment. We have been stuck here for almost 40 minutes.
“We are suffocating in here and no one seems to be doing anything about it. We even contacted the landlady’s daughter and she said they would see what they can do.”
Providing an update on the situation, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that the residents were eventually rescued after a coordinated emergency operation.
He explained that LASEMA officials worked alongside personnel from the Federal Fire Service, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the National Emergency Management Agency to free the trapped occupants.
“When the agency received the distress call, we immediately mobilised with the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and NEMA. Through the joint effort, the occupants were rescued successfully,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that the affected residents were attended to at the scene and reassured after the rescue operation.
He also advised residents to report elevators that are faulty or partially damaged to the appropriate authorities to prevent similar incidents.
“Lagos residents should notify the safety commission or the fire services by writing to them so the appropriate authorities can address the matter,” he said.
