…27 rescued, 9 casualties, owners to face prosecution

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings marked as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of measures to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

The government also vowed to prosecute the owners of the collapsed building and any other persons found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement efforts.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the collapse site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He said the governor was deeply saddened by the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

According to Omotoso, 27 persons were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the overnight search and rescue operation.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre and the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, remained at the scene to complete rescue and recovery efforts.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and marked for demolition, while occupants were directed to vacate the premises.

“This tragedy should not have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to move out, but the directive was ignored. Livelihoods were unfortunately prioritised over lives,” he said.

Omotoso announced that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to safeguard lives and property.

He further stated that the owners of the collapsed structure, as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable, would face prosecution in accordance with the laws of Lagos State.

“Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

The commissioner also 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 shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.

Omotoso said investigations into the cause of the building collapse were ongoing, while survivors were receiving treatment at various hospitals.

He advised residents occupying buildings around the collapse site to relocate immediately in compliance with safety directives.

The commissioner also commended emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout the rescue operation.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised all first responders and security agencies for working tirelessly throughout the operation, which continued until the building was reduced to ground level.

Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, who lauded the rescue teams for their swift and coordinated response.