The Lagos State Government has said it will pull down all buildings marked as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of measures to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
The government also pledged to prosecute the owners of the collapsed building and any other persons found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement efforts.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on Friday, while inspecting the collapse site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The governor was very sad about what happened and he sent his condolences to the families of the victims, he said.
Omotoso said 27 persons were rescued alive from the rubble while nine others lost their lives during the overnight search and rescue operation.
Emergency responders including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre and the Neighbourhood Safety Corps remained at the scene to complete rescue and recovery efforts.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this development. “His condolences go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.
He said the collapsed building had previously been marked as structurally distressed and scheduled for demolition as tenants were asked to vacate the building.
“This tragedy should not have occurred. The building had been designated as distressed and occupants were asked to vacate, but the directive was ignored. “There were lives lost for livelihoods, unfortunately,” he said.
All other buildings already identified as unsafe in the vicinity would be demolished without delay to protect lives and property, Omotoso said.
“Owners of the collapsed structure and owners of other distressed buildings found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the laws of Lagos State,” he added.
“ prosecutions will be brought against anyone found to be in breach of building regulations or obstructing enforcement action. “Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be brought to book under the law,” he added.
The commissioner also decried the practice of erecting buildings under high tension electricity cables, terming it dangerous and unacceptable.
“You can’t build under high-tension power lines. This is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It is a disregard of the law and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.
While survivors were being treated at various hospitals, investigations into the cause of the building collapse were ongoing, Omotoso said.
He ordered residents living in buildings around the site of the collapse to move out immediately, following safety directives.
The commissioner also praised emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication during the rescue operation.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, commended all first responders and security agencies for working tirelessly throughout the operation which lasted until the building was brought to ground level.
Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, who commended the rescue teams for their quick and coordinated response.
