Lagos Govt to Prosecute Owners of Collapsed Alakija Building
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings marked as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in the Alakija area of the state to avert future disasters.
The decision was disclosed on Friday during an inspection of the scene by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Omotoso conveyed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s condolences to families of victims affected by the tragedy and commended emergency responders for their prompt intervention.
According to him, 27 persons were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the rescue operation, which lasted through the night.
Emergency responders still present at the site include 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, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident and sends his condolences to the bereaved families,” Omotoso said.
“This unfortunate incident could have been avoided if occupants had complied with government directives. The building had earlier been identified as structurally distressed, marked accordingly and occupants were instructed to vacate the premises, but the warning was ignored.”
He disclosed that all other buildings previously identified as unsafe within the vicinity would be pulled down to prevent a recurrence.
“All buildings already marked as distressed around the area will be demolished to prevent similar tragedies and ensure that lives are not put at risk,” he added.
The commissioner also disclosed that owners of the collapsed structure would face prosecution, stressing that anyone found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement actions would be made to answer for their actions.
He condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.
“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It reflects a disregard for the law, and government will not tolerate it,” Omotoso stated.
He said investigations into the cause of the collapse were ongoing, while survivors were receiving treatment at different hospitals.
The commissioner urged residents occupying buildings around the scene to relocate immediately in the interest of their safety and commended emergency personnel for their dedication throughout the operation.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised emergency responders and security agencies for their tireless efforts, noting that the structure had been successfully reduced to ground zero to facilitate rescue and recovery.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, also applauded first responders for their commitment and professionalism during the operation.
