Lagos to Demolish Marked Distressed Buildings After Mall Collapse That Killed Nine
…Launches investigation as rescue operation ends
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all structurally distressed buildings previously marked for demolition in the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex that claimed nine lives.
The decision was announced on Friday after emergency responders concluded search and rescue operations at the site, where 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble.
Speaking during an inspection of the scene on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that the government would intensify the enforcement of building safety regulations to prevent future disasters.
“On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we sympathise with the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. We pray such a tragedy never occurs again,” Omotoso said.
He commended personnel of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), security agencies and other emergency responders for their swift intervention, which led to the rescue of 27 occupants trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
According to the commissioner, preliminary findings revealed that the building had earlier been identified as structurally defective and officially marked for evacuation. However, the occupants reportedly ignored the government’s directive to vacate the premises.
“The affected building had been marked as distressed and occupants were instructed to leave for their safety. Unfortunately, the directive was not obeyed, resulting in this avoidable tragedy,” he said.
Omotoso disclosed that all other buildings in the area already identified as structurally unsafe would be demolished without delay to eliminate potential threats to lives and property.
“We will ensure that every building previously marked as distressed is brought down. The government cannot allow dangerous structures to remain standing because the protection of lives remains our top priority,” he stated.
He warned that individuals found to have violated building regulations or frustrated government enforcement efforts would face prosecution.
“Anyone found culpable in breaching the law will be made to face the full weight of the law. Appropriate legal action will be taken against all those responsible,” he added.
The commissioner also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as illegal and hazardous.
“It is unacceptable to erect buildings under high-tension power lines. Such actions endanger lives and demonstrate a blatant disregard for established safety regulations. The government will not tolerate such violations,” he said.
Omotoso urged residents to always comply with government safety directives, stressing that protecting human lives must take precedence over economic considerations.
“No source of livelihood is worth risking human life. Once a life is lost, it cannot be replaced. We appeal to residents to cooperate with authorities whenever safety measures are introduced,” he said.
He confirmed that survivors of the collapse are receiving treatment at various hospitals across the state, while the government has commenced a full investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the building collapse.