By Abiola Olawale
Panic gripped residents of a high-end apartment building in Banana Island, Ikoyi, as several people became trapped inside an elevator for over 40 minutes, with fears of suffocation mounting amid poor ventilation and rising heat.
A viral video sighted by the New Diplomat and circulating on social media showed visibly distressed adults crowded in the confined space, sweating profusely while desperately calling for help.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at the Banana Island School Apartment complex, a residential building in one of Lagos’ most exclusive neighborhoods.
One of the individuals was heard pleading, “We have been stuck inside this lift for over 40 minutes; we are about to suffocate!”
The man whose identity remains unknown as of press time said they had contacted the landlady’s daughter, who reportedly responded that “they will see what they can do,” prompting outrage online.
Social media erupted with reactions ranging from empathy to stark commentary on Nigeria’s systemic issues. Many Nigerians pointed out the irony: even in Banana Island—home to multimillion-naira properties, private security, and elite residents—basic infrastructure failures persist.
