The building, said to be under development as a hotel, collapsed at 8 am, with heavy debris raining down on the scene and a frenzied rescue mission getting underway.
The victims are believed to be construction workers who were inside the unfinished structure when it abruptly collapsed. Residents and passersby assisted emergency workers in the search for individuals trapped under the debris and tried to free them.
At the time of reporting this report, rescue work was underway but the heavy rubble was claimed to be hindering efforts to reach those trapped.
Officials had not formally confirmed the reason of the collapse or confirmed any deaths or issued a formal statement on the tragedy.
The incident has rekindled worries on safety in construction, supervision of buildings and enforcement of building laws, especially as incidences of structural collapse continue to repeat in Nigeria.
Further information, including the identities and health of people trapped, is expected as rescue operations continue.
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