Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, woke up to shocking news on Sunday morning as one of the city’s most beloved dining establishments, a branch of the popular Item 7 restaurant located in the bustling Dugbe district, collapsed under mysterious circumstances on the night of Saturday, May 31, 2025. The incident, which occurred at the eatery situated on the main road connecting Dugbe to Mokola, has left the community in disbelief, raising questions about structural safety and the future of this iconic culinary landmark.
A Staple in Ibadan’s Culinary Scene
Item 7 has long been a household name in Ibadan, known for its vibrant atmosphere, affordable yet delicious meals, and its ability to cater to a diverse clientele ranging from students to professionals. The Dugbe branch, strategically positioned in one of Ibadan’s busiest commercial hubs, was a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a menu that celebrated Nigerian cuisine with a modern twist. From sizzling plates of jollof rice and pounded yam to its signature “Item 7 Special” – a crowd-pleasing combo of assorted meats and spicy stew – the restaurant had carved out a special place in the hearts of food lovers across Oyo State.
The collapsed building was reportedly under reconstruction at the time of the incident, having been recently acquired by the Item 7 brand as part of its ambitious expansion plans. The structure, which stood prominently along the Dugbe-Mokola road, was undergoing significant renovations to modernize its facilities and enhance the dining experience for its loyal patrons. According to sources close to the restaurant’s management, the upgrades were intended to transform the location into a flagship outlet, complete with a revamped interior, expanded seating capacity, and eco-friendly features to align with global sustainability trends.
The Night of the Collapse
Details surrounding the collapse remain sparse, but eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the events leading up to the incident. Local residents reported hearing a loud, rumbling noise around 10:45 PM on Saturday, followed by a cloud of dust that enveloped the area. “It was like something out of a movie,” said Tunde Adebayo, a shop owner whose business is located just across the street from the restaurant. “One minute, everything was quiet, and the next, there was this deafening sound. By the time we rushed out, the building was already a pile of rubble.”
Preliminary reports suggest that the collapse occurred during off-hours, which likely contributed to the absence of casualties or injuries – a silver lining in an otherwise devastating event. The restaurant was closed to the public at the time, with no staff or customers present. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Oyo State Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), arrived swiftly at the scene to secure the area and assess the damage. Search and rescue operations were conducted as a precaution to ensure no one was trapped beneath the debris, but officials confirmed that the site was clear.
Community Reaction and Speculation
The collapse has sent ripples through Ibadan’s tight-knit community, with many expressing shock and sadness over the loss of a cherished local landmark. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, as residents share memories of dining at Item 7 and speculate about the cause of the incident. “Item 7 Dugbe was where I had my first date with my wife,” tweeted
@IbadanFoodie
. “This is heartbreaking. I hope they rebuild soon.”
While the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, several theories have emerged. Some speculate that the ongoing reconstruction work may have compromised the building’s structural integrity, while others point to the age of the structure, which had stood for decades in one of Ibadan’s oldest commercial districts. Experts in civil engineering have cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. “Older buildings, especially those undergoing major renovations, can face unexpected challenges,” said Dr. Olumide Afolabi, a structural engineer based in Ibadan. “Factors like weakened foundations, substandard materials, or even natural wear and tear could contribute to such an incident.”
Official Response and Next Steps
Authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents. The Oyo State Government has promised a full investigation into the collapse, with a team of engineers and building inspectors tasked with examining the site. “We are committed to uncovering the cause of this unfortunate event and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said a spokesperson for the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. The ministry has also urged owners of older buildings across the state to conduct regular structural assessments to avoid similar tragedies.
Item 7’s management issued a brief statement expressing gratitude that no lives were lost and pledging to cooperate fully with the authorities. “We are deeply saddened by the collapse of our Dugbe branch, which has been a cornerstone of our brand and a gathering place for our community,” the statement read. “Our priority is to support the ongoing investigation and to work toward rebuilding a stronger, safer space for our customers.”
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