Lagos to demolish distressed buildings after Alakija tragedy

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish distressed buildings identified around the Alakija area following the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex in Oriade Local Council Development Area, which claimed nine lives.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the scene of the incident on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He also commiserated with the families of the victims and assured them of the government’s support.

Omotoso said emergency responders moved swiftly to the scene immediately after the building collapsed, leading to the rescue of 27 people, while nine others died despite intensive overnight rescue efforts.

“Our first duty is to commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we sympathise with them and pray that such a tragedy never occurs again,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been marked as structurally defective and its occupants directed to vacate the premises. However, he said some residents allegedly returned after pretending to comply with the evacuation order, resulting in the tragedy.

He said all other structurally defective buildings identified in the area would be demolished to prevent similar incidents, stressing that the protection of lives remained the government’s priority. He also condemned the construction and occupation of buildings beneath high-tension power lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

Omotoso assured residents that a full investigation into the collapse was underway, adding that anyone found culpable, including the building owners, would be prosecuted. He also urged residents to obey evacuation notices and avoid putting economic activities above human lives.

The commissioner commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police, military, neighbourhood safety personnel and other emergency responders for their prompt response, reiterating the government’s commitment to enforcing building safety regulations across the state.