The Lagos State Government has vowed to demolish all structurally defective buildings across the Alakija area following the collapse of a three-storey building that claimed nine lives and left several others injured.
Speaking at the scene on Friday on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that those responsible for the tragedy would face prosecution after an ongoing investigation.
According to the commissioner, 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine victims lost their lives despite extensive overnight rescue operations.
Omotoso revealed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as distressed and marked for evacuation. However, some occupants reportedly returned after initially complying with the government’s directive, resulting in the fatal incident.
He warned that all buildings already identified as unsafe would be demolished to prevent future disasters, stressing that the government would not wait for another tragedy before taking action.
The commissioner also condemned the construction and occupation of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as a serious violation of safety regulations that endangers lives.
He assured residents that the owners of the collapsed building and anyone found negligent would be prosecuted, insisting that no one would be shielded from accountability.
Omotoso further disclosed that most of the rescued victims sustained minor injuries, while those requiring additional medical care had been taken to hospital for treatment.
He commended emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police, the military, and other rescue personnel, for their swift response throughout the operation.
Urging residents to take government safety warnings seriously, Omotoso emphasised that no means of livelihood is worth risking human lives, adding that protecting lives must always come before economic interests.
