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Lagos Government Secures Distressed Building Site After Two-Storey Collapse

Written by Blessing Owolabi on October 15, 2024

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A two-storey building collapsed in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State on Monday morning, around 8 a.m., causing panic as residents rushed to safety.

Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the incident, attributing the collapse to the building’s deteriorating condition. He noted that the occupants had been advised to vacate but chose to remain inside.

Fortunately, Oke-Osanyitolu reported that all residents escaped without injury, with no casualties recorded. He stated, “Upon arrival of the agency’s LRT to the scene of the incident, it was revealed that a two-storey building at the aforementioned location had collapsed due to its age. It was also confirmed that the residents had been warned of the imminent collapse and proved recalcitrant. Fortunately, all occupants escaped unscathed, ensuring no casualties from the collapse.”

He emphasized the need for immediate evacuation to clear the site and mentioned that an adjacent building had been cordoned off with an evacuation order issued to its occupants.

Responders at the scene included LASEMA’s LRT, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Nigeria Police Force, all working to manage the situation and prevent any secondary incidents.

In light of the collapse, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab urged residents and stakeholders to prioritize compliance with safety standards to prevent similar tragedies. He condemned the incident while expressing condolences to those affected and underscoring the importance of public cooperation in supporting the state’s environmental policies.

Wahab stated, “The unfortunate building collapse on Amusu Street, Iganmu serves as a sobering reminder of why we must remain firm in our regulatory actions and proactive measures. While this incident is deeply regrettable, it highlights the critical need for cooperation from all members of the public in supporting government efforts aimed at preventing such tragedies. Our policies are not designed to punish indiscriminately but to protect lives and ensure the structural integrity of our environments. It is crucial that residents and stakeholders alike prioritize compliance with safety standards to avoid avoidable disasters.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens: “In Lagos, we are fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all, and we call on everyone to join hands with us in this mission to secure a safer and healthier future for our communities.”