The Mushin Mosque Collapse: A Terrifying Ordeal

One of the survivors, Mr. Kazeem Babatunde, shared his harrowing experience. He was inside the mosque when the building suddenly began to collapse. His shock was palpable as he realized the danger he was in. Babatunde, who is currently admitted at the Mukaz Convalescent Health Centre in Mushin, recounted the events:

“As you can see, I got injured in the head and leg. I just got stitched. I thank God for life. Though, I am so sad about the loss of the 10-year-old girl,” Babatunde, popularly known as Baba Jeje, said.

The incident occurred during the time for afternoon prayers at the Masjid Mutimain Mosque, situated at 64 Shotinoye Street in the Papa Ajao area of Mushin. Babatunde, being the second in command after the Imam, took immediate action to ensure everyone ran for safety. His quick thinking likely saved lives.

The Chairman’s Account

The Chairman of the mosque, Qasim Keshinro, also experienced the terrifying collapse firsthand. He was inside the building when it happened. According to Keshinro, the incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. and nearly claimed his life. He described the sequence of events:

1. Construction Workers’ Activity: “I saw that the construction workers clearing the gutter had touched the part of the mosque building,” Keshinro explained. This activity likely contributed to the structural instability.

2. Tiles Falling Apart: “I said let me go to pray and attend to the situation. When I got back inside the mosque, I discovered that the tiles of the building were already falling apart.”

3. Partial Collapse: “By the time we wanted to take the other exit, the building partially collapsed right in front of our eyes. I was hit in the back, and right now I am not feeling fine. We only had a small place to escape.”

Tragically, a 10-year-old girl lost her life during the collapse, and another person was pulled out of the debris but lost a leg. The situation was dire, and the survivors faced immense challenges.

Urgent Appeal

Keshinro emphasized that the Mushin community relies on this central mosque for prayers. With its collapse, they are left without a place of worship. He appealed to the government to clear the rubble and provide an alternative location for prayer.

As investigations continue into the cause of the collapse, the survivors grapple with their near-death experiences. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in construction and maintenance.