The fire brigade officer said he believed there were more than two people still in there although probably not more than 10. Among those helping to dig and to control the crowds are a large number of Lagos's so called area boys, gangs of young men who normally have a dubious reputation but on this occasion are making themselves extremely useful. Looking at the remains of the building now it is hard to believe it was once a substantial three storey construction. People living around told me that the mosque used to be just a single storey but that two more floors had recently been added on top. The presumption is that the weight of the extra floors may have proved too much for the original foundations.
Deal follows four year land crisis Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.