The Lagos State Government says it plans to demolish all structurally distressed buildings marked for removal in the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area following the collapse of a three-storey building that claimed nine lives.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this while briefing journalists during an inspection of the collapse site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Omotoso said the state government sympathises with the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives through strict enforcement of building regulations.
“On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray that we never witness this kind of tragedy again,” he said.
He explained that emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene after the incident, leading to the successful rescue of 27 people.
“I want to commend all our emergency responders, including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASBCA, the Police, the Military, the Command and Control Centre and other agencies for their swift response. By the grace of God, 27 people were rescued alive, although, sadly, nine lives were lost.”
The Commissioner said the collapsed structure had previously been identified as defective and marked for evacuation, but occupants ignored the government’s directive to vacate the premises.
“As you can see, these buildings had been marked as defective and people were asked to leave them. Unfortunately, they refused to comply, and this led to what happened.”
He said all other buildings identified as structurally unsafe in the area would be demolished to prevent further loss of lives.
“All the buildings that have been marked will come down. We will not allow dangerous structures to remain standing because the safety of lives is our priority.”
Omotoso warned that the government would prosecute anyone found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement efforts.
“Whoever is found to have breached the law will face the full weight of the law. Appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone responsible.”He also condemned the construction of buildings under 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. It shows disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it.
“The Commissioner urged residents to always comply with government safety directives, stressing that no means of livelihood is worth risking human life.”
“The most important lesson here is that we should never prioritise livelihood over life. Once life is lost, everything is lost.”
He added that victims rescued from the collapsed building had been taken to various hospitals for treatment, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing.
