LASEMA Rescues Residents Trapped in Banana Island Elevator in Lagos

Story: written by Joseph March 11,2026

Residents of an apartment in Banana Island, Lagos were rescued after being trapped in an elevator for more than an hour, thanks to the swift intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The incident drew attention after a video circulated on social media showing the occupants visibly distressed and pleading for help while stuck inside the lift.

A social media user who shared the footage reported that the apartment is located near the Banana Island School complex. The trapped residents had reportedly contacted the landlord’s daughter for assistance but were told building management would handle the situation.

In the clip, the residents 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, and no one seems to be doing anything about it.”

Providing an update, LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that the occupants were safely freed following a coordinated emergency response.

According to Dr Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA worked alongside officers from the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out the rescue.

“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, adding that residents were attended to and reassured after the operation.

Dr Oke-Osanyintolu also urged Lagos residents to report faulty or damaged elevators to relevant authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Residents should notify the safety commission or fire services in writing so the matter can be addressed promptly,” he advised.