LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has ordered the demolition of all buildings previously identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, while promising to prosecute the owners of the affected property.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the directive during an inspection of the collapse site on Friday, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Omotoso said the government took the decision to prevent further loss of lives, stressing that the collapsed building had earlier been declared unsafe and occupants were instructed to vacate the premises before the tragedy occurred.
According to him, 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives despite an overnight search and rescue operation involving multiple emergency agencies.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is deeply saddened by this incident and extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.
“This tragedy could have been avoided if the law had been obeyed. The building had already been marked as structurally distressed, and occupants were directed to leave, but the warning was ignored.”
He announced that all other buildings within the area that have already been classified as unsafe would be demolished to avert similar disasters.
Omotoso also disclosed that the owners of the collapsed building, as well as owners of other distressed structures found to have violated Lagos State building regulations, would face prosecution.
“The owners of the collapsed building and other distressed structures will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos State. Anyone found culpable or who obstructed enforcement efforts will be held accountable,” he said.
The commissioner condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.
“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. Such disregard for the law will not be tolerated by the government,” he added.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse, while survivors are receiving treatment at various hospitals.
Residents occupying neighbouring buildings around the collapse site have been advised to relocate immediately for their safety.
Emergency response teams, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Command and Control Centre, Neighbourhood Watch and other agencies, remained at the scene throughout the rescue operation.
Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, commended emergency responders and security personnel for their dedication, noting that the coordinated operation continued until the collapsed structure was completely cleared.