Alakija Building Collapse: Sanwo-Olu Orders Removal Of Unsafe Structures

The Lagos State Government has said it will demolish 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 promised to prosecute the owners of the collapsed building and other persons found to have broken building regulations or hindered enforcement efforts.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, revealed this 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 search and rescue operation overnight.

Emergency responders including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre and the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, stayed behind to complete the rescue and recovery efforts.
“This development has saddened Governor Sanwo-Olu. “He extends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

He revealed the collapsed building had earlier been flagged as structurally distressed and slated for demolition as tenants were asked to evacuate the building.

“This tragedy should never have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to vacate, but the directive was ignored. “Lives were unfortunately sacrificed for livelihoods,” he said.

Omotoso said that all other buildings already marked as unsafe in the vicinity would be demolished without delay to safeguard lives and property.

He further said that the owners of the collapsed structure as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the laws of Lagos State.

“Anyone found to be in breach of building regulations or obstructing enforcement action will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he added.

The commissioner also condemned the practice of erecting buildings under high tension electricity cables, describing it as dangerous and unacceptable.

“You can’t build underneath high-tension power lines. This is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilized society. It shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.

Investigations into the cause of the building collapse were ongoing, while survivors were being treated at various hospitals, Omotoso said.

He told residents living in buildings around the site of the collapse to move out right away, following safety orders.

The commissioner also praised emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout 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.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde was also present during the inspection and commended the rescue teams for their quick and coordinated response.