Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of Distressed Buildings In Lagos

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the immediate demolition of all structurally distressed buildings surrounding the site of the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija area of Lagos, warning that property owners who flout building safety regulations will be prosecuted.

The governor’s directive followed Friday’s inspection of the building collapse site as the state government stepped up measures to avert similar tragedies. The building collapse claimed nine lives, while 27 people were rescued alive after an overnight search-and-rescue operations.

Representing the governor during the inspection, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, described the incident as preventable, noting that it could have been avoided if occupants had complied with earlier government directives to vacate the building.

He said Governor Sanwo-Olu was deeply saddened by the tragedy and extended his condolences to the families of the victims

“Our first duty is to sympathise with the families who lost their loved ones. The governor is saddened by this unfortunate incident and prays that such a tragedy never happens again,” Omotoso said.

According to the commissioner, the collapsed structure had previously been declared structurally distressed and marked for evacuation, but some occupants allegedly ignored the government’s warning and continued to occupy the building.

He announced that all buildings within the area already identified as unsafe would be demolished immediately to prevent further loss of lives.

“All buildings already marked as distressed around this area will be pulled down. We cannot afford to wait for another building to collapse before taking action. Protecting lives remains the government’s highest priority,” he said.

Omotoso disclosed that emergency responders worked through the night to rescue trapped victims, successfully pulling 27 people alive from the debris, while nine others were confirmed dead.

He commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Command and Control Centre, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other emergency response agencies for their swift and coordinated efforts.

The commissioner further disclosed that the owners of the collapsed building, alongside owners of other distressed structures found to have violated building regulations, would face prosecution in line with the laws of Lagos State.

“The owners of the collapsed building are under investigation. Anyone found culpable or who frustrated government enforcement efforts will face prosecution. No one is above the law,” he stated.

Omotoso also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity transmission lines, describing the practice as both dangerous and unlawful.

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous, unlawful and unacceptable in any civilised society. Such actions show complete disregard for public safety, and the government will not tolerate them,” he said.

He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the immediate cause of the collapse, while survivors rescued from the rubble were receiving treatment at various hospitals across the state.

The commissioner urged residents occupying buildings around the collapse site to obey evacuation directives whenever issued by government authorities, stressing that no business or economic activity should be valued above human life.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised emergency responders and security personnel for their commitment throughout the rescue operation, describing their efforts as crucial to the successful completion of the exercise.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, who accompanied Omotoso during the inspection, also lauded the various response agencies for their professionalism and dedication in handling the emergency.