Lagos orders police barracks evacuation over imminent collapse

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. PHOTO: NANThe Lagos State Government has issued a warning about an imminent building collapse at Mopol 20 Barracks in Onigbongbo, Ikeja, announcing that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is preparing to initiate an emergency evacuation of the old Block 3 section of the barracks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, reported that the agency’s response team found parts of the structure in a precarious condition during their assessment.

Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that both the building and nearby structures would be evacuated immediately to prevent any loss of life or property.

“The Agency dispatched a response team to the location and the findings indicate that the building and those adjacent must be evacuated with immediate effect. We are conducting a response plan which comprises an assessment, safe and orderly evacuation, and controlled demolition,” he said.

“Under the watchful eye of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration, we will be carrying out this preemptive demolition action due to the precarious conditions of the building and possible secondary incidents that could occur if left unmanaged.”

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Oke-Osanyintolu also urged the public in the vicinity to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation on social media. He assured that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.